Overview:  This month’s newsletter will review important upcoming events, announce schedule changes, and summarize last month happenings.  Most individual player meetings have been conducted by their teams coach and it has been great hearing about last season from our player’s perspective and to listen to their hopes and dreams for the future.  I love the Jimmy Valvano quote above and I believe it relates to some of the goals our players and coaches have set for themselves during this offseason.  We all must be willing to work for what we want.  This is a wonderful opportunity to thank the players who have consistently been working out with us this offseason.  They are all wonderful examples of players setting goals and working extremely hard to accomplish their goals.  They are willing to work for what they want! The coaching staff is extremely pleased with the improvement and work ethic they have seen this offseason by the players who have proven they are willing to work for what they want.  Keep it up. 

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Eligibility:  In an effort to promote academics throughout the school year, Mr. Moddelmog has decided to run eligibility on all athletes throughout the school year even during the offseason.   This will be a great way for me to monitor and support my student athletes academically throughout the year.  If your son played basketball this year I will receive weekly eligibility updates.  School is first, basketball comes second. 

 

Summer Changes:  There are three important summer changes I want everyone to be aware of.  The first day of minicamp is going to be Thursday, May 30 from 3:00-5:30.  Friday, the kids will be off. The second day of minicamp will remain the same, Saturday June 1st, from 10 AM to noon.  The second change is for the varsity only Fort Collins team camp.  The dates have changed to June 21-22.  Lastly, the coaching staff has decided to add some additional days of open gym in July.  Normally, we do not offer any July workouts, but coach Gutting has volunteered to open the gym up July 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th from 10 AM to noon.  The gym will be closed the remainder of the summer for maintenance.

 

Medical Release Forms:  Players who are participating in the Utah State and Colorado State team camps will need to complete the medical release forms.  These forms are located on our website (www.rockybasketball.net) under forms.  Players will not be allowed to participate in any game until those documents are given to Coach Rakiecki. 

Coaches Clinic:  The Rocky Mountain High School Basketball coaching staff recently attended a coaching clinic in Las Vegas.  It was the first time that all the coaches attended a clinic together and is was a great experience for our coaching staff to learn from the best while getting to know each other on a personal level.  My favorite speaker was Larry Shyatt, the head coach at the University of Wyoming.  While other coaches like Roy Williams and Sean Miller have the luxury of having some of the best athletes and players in the country, Coach Shyatt talked about how teamwork and hard work can beat talent.  Coach Shyatt talked about how a team must get an edge by 1) Being intelligent 2) By out working their opponent 3) By being conditioned 4) By attitude (are you an energy giver?  Or are you an energy taker?) 5)  By being stronger.  At Rocky Mountain High School, we want players who are willing to do what it takes to get an edge over their opponent and players who play for the team. 

The Crosby Challenge:  Coach Crosby is the mastermind behind the infamous “Crosby Challenge.”  You may have already heard about the mentally and physically challenging workouts from your sons, if not, Coach Crosby combines cross fit and teamwork into workouts that challenge even the most conditioned player.  What will Coach Crosby think of next?   

Summer Camps:  I am currently processing player commitments for the summer, if you want to ensure that your son has a spot on the team, I need your sign up form and check immediately.  If you have any questions or comments please email me at jrakieck@psdschools.org.