I had recently asked the new head coach of the PFMS boys basketball team, Paul Dunklebarger, some questions about coaching for the team.
Q: Have you coached boys basketball before, and if so, where?
A: This is my first year coaching basketball for the SCASD Athletic Department. In the past I have coached in the YMCA Pioneer league, and refereed in the State College IMBA high school league.
Q: How do you feel about starting the season with a team you haven't worked with before?
A: I am excited to start the season with a fresh crop of athletes. I have enjoyed getting to know the players, and have seen great leadership from the returning 8th graders who played last year. The 7th grade team has shown lots of enthusiasm, and both teams have responded well to my philosophies of conditioning, teamwork, and scholarship.
Q: What is your plan or strategy for this season?
A: My primary strategy for the season is to instill in the players an appreciation for the opportunity to be a student-athlete, and garner respect for the mission statement of the SCASD Athletic Department.
Q: What games are you excited about this season?
A: I am most excited for our home and away series with the cross-town rival Mount Nittany squad.
Q: What is it that made you want to coach basketball?
A: I chose to accept this position in order to give back to an athletic program that was an integral part of my State College schooling experience. Middle School athletics are the foundation of a a student-athletes career, and provide an opportunity to establish life long habits of scholarship, physical fitness, and school pride.
Q: What is your favorite part of the game
A: My favorite part of the game is watching the team come together through collaborative challenges.
Q: Are you confident going into this season
A: I am wholly confident going into this season. The coaching staff and myself are excited by the opportunity to lead a squad of talented, determined, hard working players.