Derrick Frost is in his sixth season as the modified basketball coach at Circleville Middle School, where he teaches social studies. There have been ‘up’ years and ‘down’ years as one should expect as a coach, he admits, but this year is one of those years that’s really up there!
Coach Frost and his team finish their season Thursday, Feb. 15, in the Circleville gym against Valley Central. They are going into the game with a 26-0 record over the past two seasons.
And while that is quite an accomplishment, Coach talks more about his players as students and the fine young men they are.
“It’s interesting to see how different players work together,” he said about coaching this age-group. “We’ve had talented groups before but there is just something about this group that clicks.”
Eighth-graders Elias Dolson, Noah Schorling and Brayden Traver are the team captains. Coach Frost emphasizes to all his players that they are students first and athletes second. His captains are examples of this.
“They are all multi-sport athletes and excellent students,” said Coach Frost. “We’ve had no referrals for any of our players this quarter. I try to instill from our first meeting that grades and behavior matter. They are students first and foremost.”
Jeremiah Franco and Fabian Torres round out the starting five. Reflecting on their season so far, Fabian said his favorite moment came when they beat Newburgh for the second time this season. Newburgh, he said, is their biggest rival.
Coach said many times after a game or practice, the kids are heading to another practice for another sport. The three captains have played AAU basketball together for many years.
“They have something you can’t teach,” said Coach. “They can almost finish each other’s sentences!”
Coach Frost keeps tabs on his players’ academics through their teachers and by popping into classrooms when he can. “I really enjoy this level of coaching. For me, it’s about creating student-athletes,” he said. “It helps create a positive school community. They’re doing the right thing.”
The three captains have nothing but good things to say for their coach. “He’s laid back,” said Elias. “I’ve had some coaches who are really strict and not fun. He is fun too.”
They all agreed it would be great for Coach Frost to come with them to the high school next year but, they said he won’t. “We’ve asked him,” they said in unison.
“I tell them my job is not to make you basketball players,” said Coach Frost. “My job is to help make you good young men. Basketball may be a part of your life for a few years. I focus on leadership and good grades.”
That is what a coach should be all about. The wins are special too, let’s be honest. But the respect between players and coach, the impact they have on each other, that’s the money shot. That’s what they will all remember years from now.
Congratulations to this smart, talented, respected and respectful group of kids and their coach, who reminds them every day of what’s important in life.
