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When looking at Northwood’s 3-17 (2-10 TAAC) record this season, it can be assumed that the program has fallen upon hard times.
In the midst of a 12-game losing streak, the Rangers haven’t won a game since January 6 against Cardinal Stritch, but that doesn’t matter to first-year head coach John Bryan.
“A lot of people are looking at this season as a roller coaster ride,” said Bryan, who is gearing up for his first tournament game as Northwood head coach on Wednesday. ”I look at it as a learning experience for everyone involved.
“The record is not indicating of a great year, but that’s not indicative of what the year was like. These kids gave everything they had. That’s all one man can ask from another man. When you give everything you’ve got and you still don’t come out on top, that’s not a loss to me.”
Bryan believes he has built the framework for a winner. Earlier this season, three of Bryan’s top seniors left the program, but it hasn’t been a distraction whatsoever. He has worked well with his younger players and feels his team already has a head start for next season.
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| James Radcliffe |
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| John Segura |
“These kids are getting better,” said Bryan. “They’re adjusting to our program. Since the three ‘bigs’ left our program, we’re actually getting a head start on next season.”
Bryan has brought new life to the program at Northwood. Engulfed in a 3-17 record, he is not losing hope; neither are his young players. The third coach in as many seasons for several of his players, Bryan has accomplished his main goal: instilling discipline into a program that has had its fair share of distractions in past seasons.
“Young people want to be disciplined. They want to have organization. And these kids at Northwood are no different than anywhere else. They want to be taught and they want to have fun. They want to grow together as a unit.”
Bryan has a number of talented young players in his program and believes their discipline will only bring good things in the coming seasons.
Ricky Hartley, a 6-foot-2 junior forward, has played well of late and Bryan can’t wait to see him grow and mature as he gets ready for his senior season.
“I think Ricky Hartley will be one of the premier players in the conference next year,” Bryan said.
Hartley isn’t the only one. Bryan has a talented sophomore and junior class, led by junior Andrew Lord and sophomores Tyler Williams and John Segura.
“My sophomore class is very formidable,” said Bryan. “I like what my juniors have done too. It has been fun watching these kids grow. And it will be fun watching our freshman class come in next season. They finished 15-1 this year and won their league. They will be a tremendous boost to our program.”
Bryan may be looking forward to the successes that next season could bring, but he understands his season is not over just yet. The Rangers will travel to Rossford Wednesday night to take on a talented Toledo Christian team in their sectional opener.
The Eagles finished 10-3 in TAAC play (third place) and are led by Oregon resident Nick Rightnowar.
Coach Bryan is remaining optimistic but can’t help but remember the previous two games against Toledo Christian.
“They’ve gotten us two times. They spanked us pretty hard last week. Hopefully there are a few tricks left in the old coach. This game is a chance for us to vindicate ourselves. We’ve got to take our best shot and see what happens,” Bryan said.
Whether or not Bryan has a few tricks up his sleeve for this season is yet to be determined, but all-in-all his first season “has been a success,” he said.
“These kids have been good. They just want to be here. I have some good young kids coming up and they want to be here. It gets exciting now. I don’t want the year to be over, but I can’t wait for it to get over to get into next year,” Bryan continued.
“This season was a great learning time for my players. This program has an identity. There will be stability here and there will definitely be growth in the program. I can guarantee that. The best is yet to come.”
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