Using Relationships and Attention to Details to Lead to Success

Gene: 0:00

I love the guys that had played for me. I, you know, I've pretty strong relationships with just about all of them. I think that's the thing that I take the most pride in is just seeing how successful these guys and ours are as men

Luke: 0:49

coach, thanks for being on and want to start with a very important component to coaching. And that is the support system at home. And I know you have a great one, but you also have a unique point of view and that's because your wife's career. So what's it like being married to a successful coach?

Gene: 1:07

Well, that's a great thing. There's no doubt about that. You know, we, uh, oftentimes we'll ask each other for advice and, uh, you know, we're each other's biggest fan. I go to all her games. She's at all mine. And you know, it's nice when you actually get home after a tough loss, they have that support system. You know, we, we actually kind of get away from, uh, you know, our sport at that time. And, you know, we usually usually talk about it for a little bit and then move on. And I think it's a, there's just an understanding. You know, we invest so much into it that when we get away and get home, that we have to have that balance. And, uh, you know, at home is more for family situations and, you know, and when we're, uh, when we're involved in our day to day, you know, careers that, uh, you know, so much goes into it, that you have to, you have to have a little bit of release and be able to, you know, focus on your family when you're home. But, you know, I I've been, uh, I've learned so much from her. I think she's. One of the, in my opinion, one of the best division three softball coaches in the country, she has over 600 wins. And, uh, she has quite a, quite a long way to go still in her career. And it's really not even about the wins. It's just about how she relates with her players and the type of experiences that her players are having in her program. And I know how much he cares about our players and how important the experiences. So I've learned a lot from that.

Luke: 2:21

Well, that's awesome to have that support system for each other. And it's like having a free coach's clinic at all time for each other, but let's also be honest. Do you ever get a little competitive?

Gene: 2:32

Well, if we're, if we're involved in games or anything like that, where we're going against each other, for sure, but never really in regard to our teams, you know, they're, uh, just different things all together. You know, I, I'm a huge fan of, uh, of softball. Picked up on it. And, uh, you know, I, I get into the games probably even more than I get into my own. At least I, I feel like I show more emotion to her games than I do on my own. But, uh, you know, as far as competitive just with her and I, not really about what we do, we're both huge supporters of each other.

Luke: 3:02

Well, all joking aside. I mean, you're pretty darn successful yourself. In my opinion, you've created one of the top basketball programs in the state, and this is a state that has a pretty darn good basketball pedigree. So before we get into how you did it, can you give a little snapshot of your school for those not familiar with Benet academy?

Gene: 3:21

Sure. Our schools out in the Western suburbs when Lyle du page county, just east of, of Naperville and surrounded by Downer's Grove and Wheaton and Bolingbrook, uh, our school services that are 30 different communities. And we draw kids from all, all over there. And, uh, you know, I'd say it's a great place. The academics are really important. And I enjoy working with the students that I have every day. Um, and it's just one of these places where you love going to work every day. So I've been really fortunate to be a teacher there first and foremost, and also be able to run a program there with the coworkers that I work with. And, and, uh, with my students and student athletes, it just one of these things where, uh, every day you feel very, very fortunate.

Luke: 4:01

And, and what is your coaching style? If you had to define it, are you a micromanager high intensity guy you're more relaxed and empower your players. How would you define your coaching style?

Gene: 4:11

Well, I definitely think I'm player centered, especially as I get older, as I get more and more experienced And going into my 29th year now as a coach and my 16th as it head coach. That, uh, you know, I feel like, uh, the kids are really what make it happen and, and, uh, you know, as I get more and more experienced, I realized that the best teams are player driven and, and, uh, so I think I definitely am focused on, on player buy-in and. You know making sure that, uh, that they're having a great experience. I also would say that I, I, uh, my own personal demeanor is more of a quiet intensity. I think our kids know that I have high expectations and their standards that I want them to meet. I'm not a screamer or yeller, you know, I, I can get worked up from time to time, but I'm generally reserved, but I don't need to scream and yell. Cause I think our kids understand where I'm coming from. And I think they know, uh, they know what my expectations are. Uh, you know, when they don't meet those expectations that, uh, you know, that we're going to have to do everything we can to get where we want to be. So I think, uh, you know, you have to be yourself and I'm not a screamer or yellow by nature, but I also, uh, believe that, uh, you know, they know how important it is, me and how much I care about it. And, uh, and I think that that's served me well with my relationship with my players.

Luke: 5:23

And I know you're a big believer in culture and I think culture has become so cliche at this point that the definition has become a little nebulous. So what is culture to you?

Gene: 5:34

Well, I think it's who we are, you know, how we represent ourselves and how we do things. I think it's ingrained. It may be cliche, like you said, but it's also something, yeah. That I think, uh, is the backbone of, of a good program. And, you know, certain things we take for granted that have been established. I don't have to worry about our kids being on time. You know, I don't have to worry about how hard they're going to work or their focus. You know, I think it's one of these things where, uh, there are certain, you know, certain aspects or characteristics that you want to, you want to have your college like unselfishness, you know, I think, uh, it's something that we strive for and sacrifice. You know, wanting to challenge ourselves. Uh, so culture to me is, is kind of how, how we present ourselves and what we want to be. And it's, I don't think it's necessarily a, a destination. I think it's just something that you're striving for regularly and trying to improve it.

Luke: 6:26

Yeah, and cultures just become huge. And in all walks of life, it's in the business realm within the classroom athletics and everyone is very cognizant of the importance of culture. I just think that everyone has a working definition that may not all be in alignment with each other of what culture really is. Are you familiar with Brian Kight?

Gene: 6:47

I am not.

Luke: 6:48

He's a great speaker on culture. And I think he really makes it tangible and he has a very easy to understand definition of culture, and it's leaders, create culture, culture drives behavior, behavior produces results.

Gene: 7:05

I agree with that completely. And I think one thing that I failed to mention when I was talking about our culture is just that I think it's, uh, player led and really player centered. You know, my job is to kind of steer the culture. These guys do such a great job of establishing the standards that they want to hold themselves to, and then passing it on from year to year, you know, from team to team and class to class. And it's something that feeds itself, uh, as long as you pay attention to it. And as long as you have good leadership amongst your players. So I do think culture comes from the top, but I think really the, the players are the ones that actually create great culture. I mean, it's about. So you can, you can try to establish whatever culture you want, but at the end of the day, the players are the ones that are going to actually determine just how strong your culture.

Luke: 7:53

Well, your results speak for themselves over 300 victories, plenty of hardware, but yet I know winning basketball games is not the culture that you created. Rather you've created a culture of using basketball to teach these young men skills that will help them be winners in life. Why is that so important to you?

Gene: 8:14

Well, I think when you work with high school age, you know, student athletes, that that's really the ultimate goal. You know, we, we kind of concern ourselves with the day to day and try to do things right. First and foremost in the classroom and in the community. And then secondly, on the court and the process itself of, of, you know, doing things the right way, being focused on your priorities and what's most important you know, those things will lead to success in your athletic endeavor. But at the end of the day, I, you know, it's really about creating good people and I've been lucky and blessed to have great student athletes that I've worked with throughout my career. And particularly here at Benet, you know, that, that really understand priorities and understand commitment. And they understand that getting it done in the classroom comes first and how you handle yourself and being somebody trying to be somebody for others is a, you know, as important part of who we want to be as a program. So, you know, I think, uh, the byproduct. Oftentimes is, is you might win games or you might see results, but I think it really comes down to the process and doing it the right way. So, you know, that's something that we talk about that we don't harp on the results or focus on it. It's more about living in the moment and trying to do things right.

Luke: 9:28

Yeah, no doubt. And it's about instilling life skills to these young people out there. No, leave our buildings and be more prepared to handle the adversity that they're going to face in real life and be successful with it. So what are some of those really important life skills that you want to instill in all of your players?

Gene: 9:46

Well, some of these things, it might be, you know, pretty straight forward. For us just in their, uh, their high school years, time management is, is it's a huge part of what they have to do to be successful. They really have to learn to be disciplined. You know, we oftentimes practice late at night and our season is as long as any, when it goes from November and sometimes into March. Now that you have to be balanced, you have to be committed to your, your schoolwork, your academics endeavors and still make basketball important to you. Uh, so I think time management would be one, you know, I also think. You know, the idea of being unselfish and sacrifice. I know it can be overdone, but I really think that our kids have been exceptional in that area. And that's really, the credit goes to them is that they're all, oftentimes they accept less than maybe what they would want. And we live in a culture right now where it's kind of a, you know, what, what's in it for me type of culture. And, you know, to see kids, you know, beyond selfish sacrifice. And do things for the good of their teammates or others is very, very rewarding. And I think that's something we talk a lot about it. They don't have to just trying to, uh, you know create a family-like environment and atmosphere and something that, uh, you know, is going to be important to them as they take it on in their future endeavors. So I think that might go back to culture a little bit, but I do think when you focus on, on the team first and working with others, I think that's a life skill that's going to serve you well, really, for the rest of your life.

Luke: 11:20

And I know you're a coach. You pride yourself on being a strong defensive unit. And that in itself is being unselfish. And I know from my own kids, they play sports, a position in their sports that a lot of people do not want to play. I should say their teammates that want to play as defense. Everybody wants to. Scored the goal hit the home, run, whatever you call it. Right? So your coach out there you're preaching defense. Your, your kids are buying into the defense. I'm wondering in today's world. Have you noticed a shift? Is it getting harder and harder to instill in young athletes today? That concept of pride yourself on being unselfish? You may not be on a score sheet, but you're going to have as big of a role in our victories as someone who scores all the time.

Gene: 12:07

Well, I think that's really falls upon the coach and the adults in this situation to emphasize the importance of those roles and to give credit where it's due. You know, oftentimes you, you, you know, subconsciously I, I rarely ever say nice shot. I'm always seeing nice pass or great decision or, you know, great help on defense, things like that, that, you know, kind of, uh, accentuate the things that you're trying to emphasize. And I, I do think. Uh, that is our responsibility to make sure that their roles are acknowledged and valued. You know, if you're gonna, you're going to have a successful team or successful program, then everybody in your program has to have value. Even the kids that maybe aren't getting playing time consistently they have to know what they bring on Monday through Thursday, it's going to make a huge difference for us on Friday and Saturday, and then it's appreciated. And that it's valued. So I do think, uh, you know, getting kids to buy in is important, but I also think that that falls on us to make sure that they know that they're, you know, when they do things the right way that their, their roles are appreciated. And when they don't do things the right way that you treat them, just like anybody else, because at the end of the day, You know, everybody's held to the same standards as far as commitment to the team and focus and, and you know what, just being the best at their role, whatever that is. And again, when people do that, it just brings a lot of success around. And as I mentioned before, I've been really fortunate to have kids like that throughout my time at Benet.

Luke: 13:33

Let's get into the concept of everybody brings value. How do you ensure that. What do you have about 15 kids on the team? Is that about right by

Gene: 13:41

well did 15 in the state tournament. I've. Carry larger teams. Oftentimes we've had 18 or more sometimes we've even had in the low twenties. Um, a lot of it just depends on the circumstances and that year. Uh, but I think you have to be real, honest and direct with everybody. If you have 18 players that all think they're going to play on Friday night, then you're probably asking for, for the trouble. You know, I think part of it comes into the relationships that you have with your players and getting them to understand, and then, uh, you know, buy in and appreciate their role. Like I mentioned before, not everybody's thrilled with what the role ends up being, but at the end of the day, uh, for the good of the team, they, they give everything they can to fulfill that role. So I just think it comes down to relationships. It comes down to direct communication. You know, if there's an issue with somebody, I try to address it directly. And, you know, I also think, uh, you know, when you, when you have a team that's bought into a certain way of doing things that there's some indirect peer pressure, you know, to make sure that people are doing what they can for the good of the team, you know, somebody who's not necessarily on board or more caught up in themselves, oftentimes. That's going to, uh, you know, draw attention of their teammates. And I think that again, that falls back to what we started, but culture, but again, I think relationships are what really we're in this for. And that 18 player knows that he's important. If he's playing for me, he should know. And that's my responsibility to make sure that he knows his role Is valued. And that what he brings is, is very, very important to the bottom line.

Luke: 15:11

Yeah, and I think it takes a real special kid to take in that tough conversation with the coach understanding where he or she fits on the team. But still coming to practice every single day, taking pride in your role and bringing value to the team. And are there things off the court that you do to make these players feel even more special, knowing they're not going to be the ones out on the court on a big game.

Gene: 15:39

Uh, not particularly, I think just including them and treating them the same way I would treat the starters on the team or the better players. You know, we, we try to do a lot of ways. You know, are just the actual practices and the games. We try to do service projects together. You know, we'll have some team functions or get togethers and, and, uh, you know, I think that that just helps to, uh, you know, drive the closeness of, uh, of the team and of the guys together. And, you know, part of the, what could be the danger of having such big numbers as you can develop cliques on a team and you really don't want that. I, I'm pretty big on making sure that our guys know everybody. How many siblings do they have in a, where do they live? You know, where did they go to school? Things like that, that, you know, I think are important to really get to know your teammates, because if you're really trying to drive a family type of environment, then you have to know each other. And I think that that falls on myself and our staff to make sure that that, that point is driven home and that we're doing the things that are going to let our players know what are they're going to trust each other. They have to know each other. And, and I think that that comes from off the court as much as it does.

Luke: 16:45

Love it. That's great stuff. And completely. The concept of know each other off the court, as much as you know, each other on the court, a phrase I'm going to steal from you that I really like is invest in the present. I heard you say that on an interview. And I just love it. I always work from the lens of, I don't know if you remember Chris Peterson, who was a great coach at Boise state football, and then went on to Washington, but his big saying was be here now, but nonetheless, same concept. And I think this is a life skill that our young people lack. Big time today, this idea of focus on the now, if you're having a conversation with the kid, he or she tends to be looking at their phone, they don't even make eye contact with you. Cause there's thinking about something else. Uh, we see the new phenomenon of athletes that are thinking about the future and, oh, I don't want to play this sport because I may have a future in this other sport, therefore, I'm going to focus on it. Right. And they're, they're losing the value of now. And I love that phrase of invest in the presence. So how does that fit into your program?

Gene: 17:47

But I think it's just about your daily approach. You know, I think if you want it, we don't really set longterm goals. We more have standards. I know a lot of people talk like that. I think we, we try to do our best. I actually live it, uh, you know, certain ways that we approach, not only during the season, but off season in our of our kids are going to be in the weight room. You know what, what's the focus that they bring have the best lift that they can at that time. If they're, you know, it's a summer contact day and they're, and they're having a summer workout, you know, are they bringing the same focus and intensity to what they're doing right then? Right. And when we get into season, you know, it really comes down to practice by practice game, by game approach. I know that's cliche as well, but I do believe that, you know, if you look too far ahead that you're, you're never going to. You know, it really where you want to be. Like I said, it's, it's one of these things where I think it is, that's the best approach in the classroom as well as you need to be aware of what's in front of you. But I think you need to focus on doing everything you can for the present and, you know, while you're in that class or while you're in. Practice, whatever would happen to be just completely being focused and, and ready to do what you need to do to get the most out of that particular experience. I think there's just way too much looking ahead. And you know, when you look at a schedule, you know, kids will have a tendency to circle certain games and things like that. And, and I think that that's trouble, you know, I think it's one of these things where you have to worry about getting better every day. And, and, you know, again, I know that might sound cliche, as I said before, But I do think it's one of these things that that's going to produce results in the long-term and day-to-day approach? of, of, uh, just living in the present, you know, has worked fairly well for us.

Luke: 19:26

And do you think some of our coaching peers need to do the same in terms of investing in the present rather than just look into the future?

Gene: 19:34

I think so. I think the way, you know, I can't really speak to others in regard to that for me personally. I, it was just one of these things where that's just the way that I came up as an assistant. I, I, you know, I learned under a great coach and, and it was one of these things where, when I get, when I got my head job that I just kind of had tunnel vision on getting better. Right then, and there, some of the things that I've been fortunate enough to be a part of, I don't know that I would have ever necessarily dreamed it. When I was starting and I, that's a result of great kids that I've and really talented players. But I also, when I look back on those experiences, when you, when you look back, when it's all said and done, you try to learn from them, you realize that it was live in the present approach. That's worked, you know, that that worked for us at that time. I really haven't changed much, you know, I think you have to. Yeah. Uh, vision, um, the obviously long-term vision in a, in a basketball program, you, you should probably have a four year vision of, you know, where you see things where you might see your freshmen and, you know, down the road. But I also think, uh, you know, what you do in the present is more important. We've never played for next year in anything, uh, rarely will you hear me talk about being. You know, as far as that goes, because if I was playing young players, I wouldn't want them to think that I was building in an excuse for them, you know, that they didn't need to perform right now or what they were doing right now. Wasn't important because there was something down the line. I think part of the way you develop your younger players is by really expecting them to, you know, to be focused and give everything they can. Right then and there. Expect results. And you know, maybe as a coach, you might know if you don't get the results, you're looking for that. They're good. They don't, hopefully they're coming down the line, but I don't know that I would necessarily put that in the mind of my younger players. You know, when they're, if they're playing for me, I expect them to perform and you know, that's kind of how I've approached it. And I, and I think that's worked fairly.

Luke: 21:25

Now let's transition to behavior. As I mentioned, culture drives behavior. Stranger comes to watch your program. Practice comes, watch your program on game day. What are the behaviors that one can expect to witness as a result of the culture you've created?

Gene: 21:42

Well, I hope that you see you're going to see a large team. That's the first thing. So that's probably going to jump out at you. We probably have as many players on our team is just about anybody in the area. So I think it became a wash this warm up. You you'd probably be overwhelmed by the number of players that are out there, but that's kind of how it's been for a while. Um, I think you'll see, I hope you would see focus in a warmup, uh, you know, regardless of guys are going to be playing or not playing. I think that, that comes down to what we're talking about before is, you know, being, uh, you know, everybody pulling for each other And being, you know, being focused on what needs to happen. I think you would see our bench decorum. I would hope would be such that you would think that our kids handle themselves in a classy manner. At least that's what we're shooting for. Hopefully our, uh, our coaches are being positive there when we're being demanding, but we're being positive. And hopefully our kids play with intensity and focus. And hopefully they're handled themselves the right way. We want to, uh, you know, be focused on each other and we want to compete to the highest level.

Luke: 22:42

And how closely do you monitor the evidence that your culture is driving the behaviors you want to see?

Gene: 22:49

Well, I think all the time, you know, we, we, we try and we talk about it because culture is one of those things where you can, if you, if you let it, it can get away from you. So I think it's important that when things go away from who we are, that we need to address that right away. Because if not that can, you can. You know, you, you can get lazy. I, and I hate to put it that way when I'm trying to do you have a better way to say it? That all of a sudden, you're not holding in a holding yourself up to high standards or you let somebody slide on something that they shouldn't be able to slide on. Like we're playing in a summer game and our kids leave their water cups the underthe bench and they don't clean it up. Well, you know, that might seem like nothing to somebody on the outside, but to us, it's a big deal because that's not who we want to be. And those habits do carry over into performance and, and you know how you want to, not only necessarily your play, but you know how you want to conduct yourself. You know, we always want to try to leave a positive impression on people. Who are watching us. And part of that is how we handle ourselves and also little things like that. But I do monitor it quite a bit and, you know, I think our alums, I feel again, without going too long long-winded on the answers are alum have really established the call. And they pass it on to our kids. And, and I feel like I, to an extent, I need to answer to them because you know, it's their culture and they've passed it on and our kids are living it. Our kids, you know, have a responsibility to handle. I like, I always ask myself if our alums were here watching, you know, watching our team right now, would they be proud of the team that's out there? Were they proud of how we're handling ourselves? And if the answer is no, then it's, that's a standard that I need to.

Luke: 24:27

Really love that. I'm going to steal that one from you as well. That's awesome. And getting back to the cups underneath the chairs, you know, it's these little things that are the life skills as well, right. That we want these kids to walk away with because. If they're willing to take that moment to throw the cup out, even though that many other teams probably wouldn't do that, what's it say about them as an individual and that's why it's important to teach these to the kids. But yeah, unfortunately we live in a society of what have you done for me lately and really what people think focus on is the scoreboard, right? That's the most important thing. And, um, you know, your basketball team has had unprecedented success, especially the last decade. And you play one of the toughest schedules year in and year out. And in many cases you're out-sized and out scholarshipped. So how has this culture of let's focus on people rather than winning contributed directly to all that success you're having on the court?

Gene: 25:28

Well, I'll, I'll speak to basketball first. I mean, I have great high school players And more importantly, fantastic kids. So I've been really fortunate that way and blessed to have these, have these kids, you know, I think basketball, you know, just speaking to that game is a great game. You know, you can, you can get five kids to, to play together. And oftentimes, you know, I know it's cliche with the whole, you know, it can be greater than that and all that, you know, it really the, the individual parts and, and when kids buy into their roles and they play together and they're on selfish, it's I personally feel it's the greatest game. I know you may, you may feel differently, you know, as far as football and all, but it's one of these things where you just, with my experience, You know, you see where it really doesn't calm down. Do you know how many scholarship players and things like that? I have great players in it. I wouldn't trade my players for anybody else. Um, I think it's one of these things where these, these kids, they give everything they can and they play together. And it, you know, it's, it's worked out really well and living in the present, like we said, you know, we, we, you know, I want basketball to be important to our players. And, and when it's all said and done, I want them to have a great experience. And I think this is one of the things that I've, as I've gotten older, I've paid more attention to, regardless of their role on the team, you only get one high school experience. You know, I've, I'm fortunate enough to be able to coach next year and maybe for a few more years, but the kids that are in front of me, they only have one high school experience. What am I doing to ensure that they have a great experience. It's not always going to be rewarded the way they want it to be rewarded, maybe playing time in games, but would they, would they know what, what they, what they're doing has value. And that is it's important to them. And when it's over and done with, I want them to feel like they're part of something that was a family and something that was special.

Luke: 27:15

And what about off the court. And I know this is, this is tough to gauge, but you've created this culture of, of making better people impacting their lives. How has that produced results for some of your players off the court as they moved on in life? Cause I'm sure a lot of them keep in touch with you.

Gene: 27:32

I love the guys that had played for me. I, you know, I've pretty strong relationships with just about all of them. You know, I think that's the thing that I take the most pride in is just seeing how successful these guys and ours are as men, you know, they're, uh, you know, they've just really done tremendous things. They, uh, you know, they've excelled in college and they go out in the, you know, whatever they happen to get into, and, uh, you know, they are just, uh, they're they just Excel. And I think that. You know, that I was fortunate to have those types of people in my program, but, you know, I, I would hope that, uh, you know, that they would think that basketball at Benet was a small part of their, uh, their success, your experience. You know, I, I would never presume that, but I, uh, I would hope that if you talk to them, that they would think the experience was, uh, was, uh, was, uh, hopefully a good one for them. And something that helped, uh, help them get to where they are.

Luke: 28:22

Well, you mentioned your you've been very lucky to have some great high school basketball players and you have a few that did go on to the scholarship. One being Frank Kaminsky. And this is just the pure out of curiosity question from afar. He looks like such a fun person. I mean, his, his social media posts are outstanding. Is he as fun of a guy. And he's funny as a personality, he looks at least from afar.

Gene: 28:46

Oh, he's he's every, every bit of that, he's, he's a lot of fun, you know, I think, uh, you know, not only is he a lot of fun with social media and all the things that have happened throughout the last decade. You know, he's also just a really good person, you know, he's always been great to me and, and, uh, you know, I was very fortunate to be able to coach him and, you know, have a relationship with him. Uh, you know, I think he's a basketball exploits speak for themselves, but I think, uh, what I really admire about Frank is if he remembers where he came from and, you know, he has a. great group of friends that he grew up with And He's always been good to good to me and other people that were, you know, that, you know, he was with earlier in his life and, and, uh, you know, so I, you know, that's, that is something that obviously I feel very good about, but yeah, he is. He's a lot of fun and have a lot of fun hanging out with them.

Luke: 29:35

And another one was, do you want to athletes Dave and I apologize if I got his name wrong, played at Northwestern, but his senior year talking about you, said, "He tells us we can do this. And we believe it." to me, that's evidence of trust and clear communication between you and your players. Why is clear communication vital in the process of making a lasting impact in the lives of young kids?

Gene: 29:57

Well, first of all, Dave is a pretty, pretty special player and pretty special guy. So he, you know, one thing for me to be able to tell him he can do it and, you know, he had the ability to do it. And you know, those guys that the guys you're mentioning, you know, Frank and Dave. Pretty special group. And, uh, you know, it did a lot for me personally. I always be grateful for that, but, and I think it gets back to the buy-in, you know, I think, um, you know, that number one, they're extremely talented, but also if you have a plan and you've prepared, um, you know, I always. Confidence in our guys. I always feel like w w you know, not that we're going to win, but though we always have a chance to win that. If we do the work before the time comes, that that in, in our kids are smart and they know if you're prepared, they know if you, uh, if you genuinely believe in what they, what they have the chance to do. And, you know, I I've, it's one of those things. I think we've always tried to work, work as hard as we can to never let our kids down and also, you know, give them a path. You know, there are certain games that we've won that maybe people didn't think were going to win later on. And I think a lot of that had to do with, you know, our kids? play well, but also belief in. You know what you can do And belief in a plan by that. I mean, you might have to do these nine things really well, but if you do them, you have a chance to win. Even when you're playing superior teams and teams that maybe people think you have a chance to beat. So I think the buy-in is, uh, is very, very rewarding and I would never take it for granted. It's something you have to earn every day and it starts with your work ethic and your commitment and your kids need to know how much you care about what you do and how much you care about them. If you really want them to buy into what you're looking to do.

Luke: 31:33

And I know you do a lot of work, uh, personally, on this topic. In other words, you, you study. Leaderships. I know you like to read and you attend a lot of clinics and you want to know how to help create that buy-in and it's time for you to invest in the present. What are some topics you're researching right now? What are some areas that you're trying to grow as a leader?

Gene: 31:56

Well, I've really started to listen really. Podcasts. I think that's something that was relatively new for me with the pandemic and all, I try to listen to at least one a day, if not more. And I, you know, being so busy after the, uh, the pandemic or at least hopefully moving toward the end of the pandemic, you know, I, something with a busy schedule that I think you can really incorporate into your day, you know, it's something you can do while you're trying to accomplish other tasks. Whereas, you know, reading has been a little harder for me, not with five classes and, and, uh, you know, five with five classes and trying to run a program, but certain things that I'm always looking to develop and grow. Aren't just leadership, leadership skills, uh, building culture. Again, I know we've talked a lot about that. Um, trying to look at better ways to do things from a schematic standpoint. You're always looking at that, you know, it's, uh, one of these things where you can know. You never know, half as much as you hope you can argue that you should. And, and, you know, I'm constantly looking to grow. Uh, from an X And O standpoint as well, our, our basketball is somewhat simplistic in what we do, and we try to be good at the things that are important to us, but I know I'm always looking to do find better things. There were a lot of holes in our games last year that, uh, I need to do a better job as a coach and getting better with, so not only off the court type things, but also getting better with the, uh, with the X and O types.

Luke: 33:21

And what about your all time favorite book on leadership or character development? Can you recommend one for our listeners?

Gene: 33:27

well, I liked The Winner Within, you know, I back Riley book. It's, it's kinda old, but, um, you know, I think it's one of those books that I read a long time ago that stuck with me, you know, again, there's, there's great books all over, you know, all over that you, you know, you could get a lot of value out of, but that would probably be the one at the top of the list?

Luke: 33:45

So coach and wrapping this up. I, I heard you say high character people lead to high performing teams. And in my opinion, it starts with the coach and, you know, you're, you're a class act through and through. You're the exact type of leadership that our schools need today, you know in an article written, um, I think is when you want your 300 basketball game, which is an outstanding accomplishment, congratulations, or that you're a D said, and I quote, we hired a good person that happens to be a heck of a coach, which I don't think you can get a better endorsement than that. So thanks for being such a positive influence in so many lives. It's challenging times for teachers and coaches. So I hope our conversation today is reminder that you're making a huge impact and your story is going to motivate others to go on and do the same. So thanks for your time coach, and look forward to the continued success at Benet academy.

Gene: 34:36

Oh, thank you very much. I really enjoyed it.