CHAMPIONS SPEAK - 2010 Hall of Fame Inductee Brian Brown - Builder
by Sandra Kirstein Wright
For 20 years,
from 1979 to 1999, Brian Brown devoted most of his free time
to coaching. In the fall and winter months he could be
found at the arenas in Wetaskiwin coaching hockey and in the
spring and summer on the ball diamonds at Falun coaching
fastball. That meant September to March with hockey, May to
July with fastball….April and August were free…well, sort
of…. besides the coaching Brian was also involved in the
administrative aspects of each sport; he served on the
executive of the Wetaskiwin Minor Hockey Association in
various capacities and IN the small community of Falun, as
the coach, you were also the organizer, the chauffeur, the
groundskeeper…… whatever was needed, Brian did it all….and
that was just in his spare time, he also had a farm to run.
For the Browns, hockey and fastball were family affairs. At
least one of Brian and Sharon’s sons was on every team he
coached and all three of them played both sports. Because
of their age spread, that normally meant 3 teams in a
season. So, mom Sharon was an active participant too,
always supporting Brian in his coaching duties and her sons
in their activities.
During his
coaching years, Brian’s teams were very successful winning
many league, zone and provincial titles in both hockey and
fastball. By inducting Brian into the Wetaskiwin and County
Sports Hall of Fame this evening, we are recognizing Brian’s
successes and his 20 years of dedication to the young boys
and young men of our community: 8 provincial titles, 2
trips to Western Canadian Championships and 1 trip to the
National Championship…..all in all quite an impressive
record and worthy of recognition.
However, we
are also recognizing Brian for much more than the wins, we
are recognizing him for his positive influence and what he
did for those young charges under his tutelage. When I was
given the task of introducing Brian tonight, I contacted his
son Neil to gain some insights about Brian and his coaching
tactics. Neil in turn contacted men who had been coached by
Brian in either hockey, fastball or both. I’ve attempted to
summarize their thoughts and memories of their experiences
with Brian as their coach. Most of the words that follow
are their words and I’m going to address my remarks to
Brian.
To your former
players, Brian, you are a great teacher and coach but… a
better man; a man of principles and a man of his word with
family morals and values. You are their role model, their
mentor… a person who made a difference in their lives,
someone who cared about them. They all have great respect
for you and consider themselves fortunate for having had you
as their coach. Many feel that to you the game is not just
a game but a way of life. Sure, you taught them hockey and
fastball skills but through those sports you also taught
them life skills:
You helped
your players understand the sacrifices and the work ethic
needed to succeed both as athletes and as people.
One of your
former players called your coaching style “controlled
intensity”. You provided an atmosphere where success was
achievable. The lessons and tools you were able to pass
along not only allowed them a chance to succeed on the ice
but to be better individuals. Winning became habit forming
because of high level practicing and attention to detail.
You never yelled at them if they made a mistake or didn’t
make a play on time AS LONG AS they did their best. There
was always a pat on the shoulders as the players came into
the dugout or players box along with helpful words of advice
for the next time.
Here’s why
your players thought your teams were so successful:
Your knowledge
of the sport and your methods of explaining and teaching
were always presented at high levels to maximize outputs and
outcomes. You studied your opposition to find out their
weaknesses and you always had a game plan. Your teams
always found a way to persevere in the face of adversity.
Many times your teams were not favored to win, but you found
a way to do so. Outlasting the competition was a key to
your many successes. Your teams played with tenacity and
“heart”. You were always able to get the best out of each
team and individual. All players were allowed to contribute
and compete to the best of their ability. During one two
year span your teams won both hockey and fastball
provincials each of those years. Some of the same players
were on both teams and one fellow described this period as a
“magical time” where life long friendships and great
memories were created.
Brian, you
never missed a practice or a game and it was perceived that
you expected the same commitment from your teams. All the
players looked forward to coming to the ball diamond whether
for a practice or a game; it was always a good time. Your
preparation for each practice or game produced positive
results. If the team lost you would simply take what you
learned from the loss and build from it and you expected
your players to do the same. All of your players
appreciated your passion for their sport, your patience and
your consistency in the way you dealt with them. One player
who had you as a coach in both sports thought you brought
the same work ethic to the hockey rink and the ball diamond
but added an extra level of intensity in hockey.
According to
your son Neil, Brian, you always made every effort to get to
know the players and parents and that is where you based
your foundation of trust. You communicated your
expectations to the parents and got everyone to “buy into”
your philosophies. You respected every player, coach and
parent and always gave praise to them. Even now, if you are
asked about any particular player or coach, you can tell at
least one story about that person. To this day you always
have time to talk and reminisce with the men you coached.
Brian, your
legacy continues. Many of the men you coached are now
coaching young people themselves and passing on those life
skills and values that YOU taught them.
Brian, all of
your former players say “Thank you” and we too “thank you”
for your successes, your time, effort, dedication, integrity
and family values. Many moms and dads become coaches but
not everyone has the impact that you have had, coaches of
your caliber don’t come along every day. You are indeed an
example for all in this room and in this community.
Congratulations on your most deserved induction into the
Wetaskiwin and County Sports Hall of Fame. Presenting your
award will be Marilyn Snedden a board member.
