INSPIRATIONS
FROM THE
BENCH
Spirit & Sport Publishing
INSPIRATIONS FROM THE BENCH. Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Kelly Scott.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information, address Kelly Scott at:
Cover and book layout by Earl Designed
Published in eBook format by eBookIt.com
ISBN-13: 978-1-4566-0618-3
Dedication
On August 30th, 2010, my dear Godmother, cousin, and wonderful friend got her “angel wings” and joined God in heaven. Katie McBrien was overcome by a massive heart attack way too early in life at age 62. She loved everybody and everybody loved her. I dedicate this book and this vision of Spirit & Sport to her, my brother TR, my Dad and Mom, also Lou and Robert Iacarella. May they all rest in peace and still be there to prod God to keep sending investors and people of good will for this vision and book. I love you all.
Acknowledgements
I will try to acknowledge everyone who has helped with this book and project. If anyone is inadvertently missed, I apologize in advance for the oversight. I have been truly blessed with great family and friends.
First, to Mike, Karen, Kathy (Sam), and Kevin thank you for your feedback and willingness to help
Robb, Kathy, Chris, Lea, and Thomas much thanks for reading and reviewing
Sharon and Joe your sitting in the living room and hammering out the ideas and the structure for the book
Casey, Susie, Bridget, Michael, Colleen, and Patrick the unbelievable help by all of you on the whole structure of Spirit & Sport as well as your review of the book and the many hours of help on pictures and other information especially by Michael
Tricia, Patrick, Shannon, Maureen, Erin thanks for your help on pictures and for following the project as a whole
Mary, my wife, who has encouraged me every step of the way
Jeremiah, who came back to Minnesota, and has helped in many areas of both the book and facility
Jennifer’s help on the first chapter and setting the tone for the book. Now for Oprah…
Joseph for sitting in my minivan and listening to the whole of the project and then saying now I get it and LET’S GO!
Veronica for continued following of the project and her involvement in the book sales
Luke for his constant push for getting the project moved forward and his many nights of relief tennis to give me some time off
To the board: Mrs. Bushman (and her husband Douglas) who provided immeasurable help, support, and prayers; Mr. and Mrs. Kenney who have guided and cheered on while also giving outstanding advice and ideas
Coach Tubby Smith who believed in this book and who is so encouraging in this project
Archbishop Burke for taking the manuscript and encouraging the project
Archbishop Neinstedt who was willing to be of receipt of my 1st letter on Spirit & Sport and his prompt and encouraging reply
Bishop LeVoir and his encouragement and prayers
John and Mary Ann Kuharski who have been there for many years and who have been kind enough to be quoted for this book
Joe Seliski who got this project the jump start it needed by the unbelievable video production he put together
Earl Moore whose guiding of this book and help in preparing it has been most helpful and kind
Craig and Cindy Vana, longtime friends and mentors who I couldn’t do without in many areas of this book and project
Jay Pivec, a gem of a guy and friend extraordinaire, who has been so positive and encouraging
Steve Brown who has helped in my meeting of people and his wonderful video
Cheryl and Dan Forrest who have been tremendous in their review of the book and editing of its verbiage and without whom this book could not come to print
Mr. and Mrs. Cosgrove who have encouraged and prayed for this project while also their ideas and follow up on the project
Sue Stuns encouragement and review of material
Gary Wilmer and his guidance and ideas to help move this project along
Mark Stenglein for meeting and discussing this opportunity
Curtis Martin who gave invaluable insight to the project and on people to follow up with
Jim Dutcher and his staff who took the reins and guided us through the season to a Big Ten Championship
Zeb Howell, Trent Tucker, and all my teammates and friends have been so kind along the way
Douglas Rosenberg for his help and coming to meetings on this project
Joe Mauer for his response to Spirit & Sport
Dave Thorson and Dave Bratland for their encouragement of the project
Dan and Carol Weiler, Mark and Michelle Eastham, Mr. and Mrs. Lawson and their children who have encouraged and been involved in the project
Tony and Pam McDonald who did the first video and whose words were both encouraging and inspiring
John and Cindy Hartnett who both read first editions of the project and John’s continued advice and help
Introduction
The day I walked in Williams Arena the summer of 1981, with its warm, humid air and the smell of sweat everywhere, was the day we all became committed to winning a Big Ten Championship. The summer was when real champions were made and we were bound and determined that this was our year.
This book details the wonderful run we call the Championship Season where good athletes became great and team stood far above any individual. Run alongside the stories and triumphs, the fun and excitement that went into that season. Don’t stop there, though, as there is more to this author’s story. Continue to follow along as life’s complexities and ups and downs lead to a new realization of what can be when you dream and follow your heart. This story, in fact, is still being written and you can play a part to see that youth and seniors get the care, love, and help that makes a difference in their lives. Enjoy, and be a part of something very special!
1 » Childhood Hoops and Growing Up
“Kelly!” Mom called up the stairs, “The neighbors are coming to get the basketball hoop.”
What? What on earth was she talking about?
“They should be here in about fifteen minutes.”
I could not grasp what she was saying. The words slid around in my mind, but they would not register. She may as well have been speaking some foreign, alien language. “Coming to get the hoop.” Then it finally sank in. While I still could not fathom what my mother meant, those words set off alarm bells in my head and I flew down the stairs, touching maybe two of them as I got prepared to do battle to protect the hoop.
My mother was standing in the