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Dear Patriot family,
As we approach the horizon of yet another school year, another basketball season, another set of memories, you may notice that things are a little different. Different in a good way though - I wholeheartedly believe that Coach Grimes is doing a great job transforming the program into something you can be proud of - one that you want to wear that big W with pride as it was in years past. Unfortunately, my time as a direct part of that has come to an end.
To those players that I pushed and challenged, I wish to say that those challenges still stand - just because I may not be on the bench to remind you, I intend to be in the stands and should our paths cross I'll continue to challenge you to be better each day. To the parents who encouraged me in various ways to be the best that I could, even in my limited capacity, thank you. Your support and kindness have only increased my desire to coach the game, embrace your community, and put nothing short of my best self out there each and every day. I guess at this point the big question is - why did I choose to leave?
Yes, I chose to leave. Coach Grimes never mentioned not coming back to me. In fact, when I told him I was struggling with the decision on what to do next season, he reminded me that I was still very much welcome. I took some time to really look at what we were trying to build in the program and realized that I was the definition of irony in the situation. Every practice, every game was about being committed to more than yourself; putting the team's needs above those of your own, and being "all in". Was I willing to make sacrifices and tough decisions to make the Wayne Hills Patriots a better program - sure. The problem was I couldn't fully commit to a level that I could be proud of. I tried - man did I try - but it's not easy working in a full time eight to five job and being a part of a high school basketball program. On top of that, I was coaching at the Wayne PAL. Some would say I should have known that would be extremely tough to juggle and do successfully. They are right - I came aboard hoping to better myself, but it was a little selfish. This summer I realized that and felt I owed the team better than that. I felt like the literal definition of a hypocrite. How can I honestly ask for guys to buy into being "all in" or putting the team above self when I wasn't necessarily doing that myself?
I spent a good part of the spring and summer after the season ended asking myself if I could make this work. Coach Grimes is doing great things and it would be great to be a part of, but I had to pull my weight. He never complained or was upset - he understood my situation and knew that my heart was in it when I was available. For that I am truly grateful - it's not every day that people are willing to look at the whole situation and take outside factors into consideration. For those that know me from my time at the PAL, you know I hold myself to a crazy standard. After weeks of going back and forth with myself, reaching out to Coach Grimes and close friends, I came to the decision that I wouldn't be happy unless I could commit full time to the program, just as we'd ask the players to do. That wasn't something I could do, and the you all deserved someone who could. I have gotten to know most of you pretty well, and will miss being around to share in your lives as a coach. But you better believe when I can I will be there as a fan, cheering each and every one of you on. I already took opening day off from work so that I could be there!
I really do wish that I could have done this in person, and if our paths cross, I will gladly talk to you about it. This was not an easy decision to make, and at times already, even here in August I wonder if it was the right decision to make because of how much I loved being a part of the program and your lives. I guess I can still do that as a fan, and allow someone who can really be "all in" to come aboard. I wish you all the best, and look forward to a great season. I can't wait for December!
Sincerely,
Robert Bohannon, Jr.
Coach RoBo
