A Commendable Coach

My granddaddy graduated from Texas Technological College, as did my parents.  All five of the children in our family attended Texas Tech, along with three brothers-in-law, a niece, nephew, and several other relatives.  Texas Tech blood runs deep red in our family.  Thus, it has been a delight to watch and celebrate Tech’s men’s basketball success this season.  It has been interesting to read about and see videos of Coach Chris Beard in action.

This is Chris Beard’s third season as head coach of the Texas Tech men’s basketball team.  Tech shared the Big 12 regular season title with Kansas State under his leadership.  Beard was honored as Big 12 Conference Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year for 2019 by a panel of sports writers and broadcasters.  Because of his commitment to developing attention to detail and a strong defense in his players, the Tech basketball players have earned their second consecutive Elite Eight berth.  Coach Beard's goal is to:

Educate

Serve

Grow fearless champions.

As impressive as Chris Beard’s record and awards have been, it is his heart for his players being a family, as well as a team, that is making a difference.  Not only does he speak of such, but models and puts his words into action. 

Senior Brandone Francis’ family lives in the Dominican Republic.  It had been two years since Brandon had seen his mother and relatives.  As a surprise, Coach Beard had Francis’ mother flown in so she could be there for Senior Night on March 4 and watch him play as a Red Raider for the first time.   His talk of basketball being more than just a team, but being family, was taken to a new level.

The night before his team played in the Sweet 16 Round in Anaheim, California, Coach Beard had a team meeting with his players and coaches.  He reminded them that they did not get to this point by themselves.  The seniors had helped pave the way for the team all year long.  Some highlights of his speech:

* “It’s not just about you.

* We started months ago talking about an unselfish culture.

* You’re playing for the guy next to you.

* You’re playing for somebody.

* This is how you get emotionally attached to this game.

* Tonight you need to be getting yourself ready to play and getting the guy next to you ready to play.”

Then Coach Beard had Davide Moretti stand up, face his teammates, and tell them who he would be playing for.  As Moretti stood he said, “I am playing for everybody in this room and my family…”  And then as his eyes panned the room, Davide saw several of his family members standing in the room.  Beard had flown his family in from Italy to watch him play in the Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament.  What a wonderful reunion and reminder of the importance of support, love, and encouragement from family.

Coach Beard’s words sound like good and beneficial advice for us spectators to take to heart and apply, too.  No matter the results of the rest of the tournament games, Coach Beard is already a winner in my book. 

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 8:9-10

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:5-6