By now, it's no secret to readers that we, in our extended family, are bad-weather friends to the ZAGS. When fair weather comes, we just put the ZAGS behind and go outside.
On this first Friday of official spring, there's still snow to be found, so it was a little early last night to say adieu to this year's bout with ZAGmania.
All good things must end, they say, and part of a good thing ended last night with Florida State's defeat of our beloved team.
Our motive for loving the ZAGS, however, runs much deeper than a change of seasons.
Part of it also has to do with their proximity as a team that has consistently worked for, attained and continually deserves national respect.
Also, when a team has nourished its diehard fans' emotional well being by keeping us socializing and eating and cheering and praying off and on for nearly five months, we have no regrets.
I also use the term "part," because I refer to just the basketball aspect of ZAGmania.
There's so much more.
In a time when it seems like so many of the sacred principles, values and institutions of our world have been dismissed or wantonly exploited, the ZAGS have consistently kept up the hope for those of us who still appreciate the key qualities of human beings and entities which inspire our admiration.
They remind us that good things do still happen and that good people still abound, thanks to discipline, the will to fight through adversity, adhering to integrity, caring about community, focusing on a vision and constantly reaching for the stars.
Indeed, like all devoted fans, we like to see the ZAGS win and often.
We also like what the athletic and academic program at Gonzaga teaches in addition to basketball, preparing student athletes to be good, productive and caring citizens and leaders.
Adding that to the mix, in our minds, they win pretty much every day, even when they aren't running up and down the court.
So, this morning, once again, I extend my personal thanks to Mark Few, Mike Roth, the coaching staff and all personnel associated with this wonderful program. To the players: we love our ZAGS; we always will.
Thanks for the memories of the 2017-2018 season. You certainly reached for those stars and exceeded expectations.
On this morning when the ZAGS season has ended, another era is begining, and we are proud to announce that our son Willie has a part in it.
Yesterday, he sent me a text: I've been offered the head coaching position for (SH) girls' basketball, and I have accepted.
This morning, Daily Bee sports editor Eric Plummer tells more of the story in the link below.
Bill and I are very proud of our son, and we wish him the best as he takes on this new challenge in his career.
We also thank his mentor and retiring SHS head coach Duane Ward.
In our minds, there's not a finer man around with whom Willie could have spent the last four years serving as assistant coach.
Like the ZAGS coaches and team, Duane Ward embodies so much of what is good about humanity.
And, again, I know that, in this phenomenal relationship of the old coach and the young'un, Willie has learned a lot more about life than just basketball.
Thanks, Duane. You're the best!
Happy Friday. Welcome, Spring!
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| I'm pretty sure Willie aka Coach Love wouldn't mind having this photo of him posted this morning. Besides loving basketball, he's a confirmed Seattle Sounders fan. His sister Annie has opened doors of opportunity for him a few times at Sounders Matches. This photo op with a famous goalie was one of those opportunities. |
http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/regional_sports/20180323/love_named_new_sandpoint_girls_head_basketball_coach
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