Thanks basketball coach

Tom Sixeas thank you for your article about Jeff Bair’s resignation as GHS girls’ basketball coach. I wish the Times would share more articles about the great work and contributions individuals make to the community of Gettysburg and the surrounding area. It’s people like Jeff that make Gettysburg and Adams County a wonderful place to raise a family.

My daughter Maddie was a player on the wonderful team of young women that participated in Jeff’s last season and I wanted to add a couple of thoughts to your article of about Jeff as a coach and as a person.

First off, any person that has had the privilege of playing high school sports knows the team record is not a reflection of what happens during the season or the real goal of sports. High school sports is an extra-curricular activity that is focused on the development of each player’s knowledge, passion and physicality to play a particular game. This development can only occur if the team has an effective coach that is supported by a knowledgeable staff. In addition, great coaches choose team captains that serve to bridge the communication gap between coaches and players.

Secondly, from my perspective as a former high school basketball player, Jeff loves the game of basketball (I mean second level love). He is also passionate about understanding the team’s competition at the player level, and passing that knowledge to the coaches and the players. It is also impossible not to get caught up in Jeff’s passion for the game, particularly with his calm demeanor and contagious smile.

Lastly, my daughter, Maddie, has only been playing the game a few years, but has made significant developmental steps in her skills and understanding of the game, and she worked hard to achieve that. “It’s a process” to coin a phrase from an endearing coach. But there is no doubt in my mind, her development was mostly due to Jeff’s passion for the game, his approach to coaching, and his interpersonal and coaching skills. Jeff knew how to speak to my daughter’s heart and mind, and that’s the difference between a good coach and an exceptional one. Jeff congrats on your “retirement” and thank you for being you. I know you had an impact on my daughter that will be with her for a lifetime (like my coaches did). Thank you. “Go Jaspers!!!”

Christopher Delaney,

Gettysburg