To the editor:

Imagine my surprise when I heard the demise of Coach Walt DeShields from the Carrollton Athletic Director. Ron told me the news and imagine my reaction. We spoke about the situation for about ten minutes before it was time to start the baseball game.

We decided it was a story that would be of interest to many in “Warrior Nation” and many basketball fans in the area, because of his success and stellar reputation.

Before I speak to his “game night” performances which led to nearly 400 victories and 20 consecutive winning seasons, let’s look at the man. He filled his program with a staff of excellent coaches who I am sure enjoyed all the program had to offer. He listened to their advice and as a result, kept consistency and experience as a cornerstone at the “Branch.”

He supported many programs in the school (not because of his family who were immersed in their own successful endeavors, but never so busy that the boys and Mom were at the scorer’s table taking care of the clock and scorebook.) Walt has a program that encompassed student/athletes who were involved in various efforts within the school and community.

Awards were frequently bestowed upon Coach and team members recognizing his bigger picture (grades, sportsmanship, community service, etc.) To talk about his bench persona, he was also at the top of his game. There were times that called for praise, others that called for a “chewing out.” But when it was all said and done he was proud of his young ladies and as we can see now, they are proud of him and are showing their support.

As a personal anecdote, I was trying to get the game ball after Salem completed a home sweep of the Warriors (believed to be a first time). I asked a West Branch manager if he would ask Coach DeShields if he might part with the ball for the Salem trophy case. Evidently, Walt subscribes to the theory of putting the last game behind you and start planning for the next one. I did not get the ball surprisingly. LOL.

To close I once heard Bob Knight speak at a clinic. He told the assembled coaches that “there are two kinds of coaches: those who have been fired and those who are going to be fired.”

I am hopeful that if West Branch wants Walt to continue (sure seems like it), they can persuade the powers-to-be not to relegate him to the “fired” pile. Good luck Walt.

GLEN WINDRAM,

Leetonia