On Saturday I came down to Sunnyside to watch and support the boys and girls basketball programs as a spectator. As I walked into the high school gym one of my former players saw me walk in and came over to shake my hand. Out of respect for this young man I shook his hand and told him, "Good luck! I hope you have a great game." This took about all of ten seconds. So I then proceeded up to the bleachers to find a seat. As I was getting ready to sit down for the game Bill Dailey came up to me and said, "I don't think this is appropriate behavior before a game." He then proceeded to sit down beside me and tried to lecture me on how I am suppose to act. Bill went into this two to three minute speech expecting me to listen to him. Not only did I find his behavior childish, but I was totally appalled. I am an adult who has paid his hard earned money to come and attend a sporting event. I do not expect to be harassed and belittled by a man who cannot treat others with dignity and respect.
I still have great relationships with all of the parents and boys in the basketball program. If I want to come down and support them then I have this right. Bill has only proven once more that he is not capable of being the Athletic Director in Sunnyside by his behavior and actions. You might want to ask him how he felt about coming out to Outlook Elementary about a month ago and he saw I was shooting baskets with one of his boys. After playing basketball for three to four minutes with this child Bill comes into the gym. I didn't know it was Bill's child, but it just goes to prove that I show love and dignity to any child.
A great man once said-"Leaders Listen"
Listen to those under your supervision. Really listen. Don't act as though you're listening and let it go in one ear and out the other. Faking it is worse than not doing it at all. A good motto is "Others, too, have brains."
He also said-"Walk the Walk"
A leader's most powerful ally is his or her own example. Leaders don't just talk about doing something; they do it. Swen Nater, a former player at UCLA, told me once, "Coach, you walked the walk." He meant that I led by example.
Both of these quotes are from John Wooden. Probably the best college basketball coach of all-time. Dr. Cole I've done my best to lead by example, but by doing the right thing I've been punished in the worst way possible. I became a teacher and a coach to make a difference in kids’ lives. Not to just to stand by and be idle. Am I right all of the time? No! But I do have the sense of what is right and what is wrong. The sad thing is that the kids who are the ones paying for this by not having me as a part of the basketball program. Isn't it amazing that three boys who were on the "C" squad last year on now on varsity? Not really! The three kids who are on varsity are the three exact kids I had told you had been misplaced last year.
Please forgive me for having to write this letter. It isn't my job to tell Bill what is acceptable behavior. He should already know! The problem is he doesn't.
Thank you for your time!
ANDERSON