| Joe Slover
March 21, 2011
8:50:47 AM
Entry #: 3680336
| Parents, Players, GM’s and Coaches
I would like to take a moment of your time to thank Lou DiProfio for the opportunity to serve on the Executive Board of Colonia Youth Basketball.
I however need to take some time to tell you how I became this involved in the program, or as Lou say’s “how I drank the KOOL AID”. Like most parents, I became involved with my own kids, starting as a coach and GM.
Many of you may not be aware, but in 2002 the Colonia Youth Basketball League was almost dissolved. The league was over $7,000 dollars in debt and in disarray. Through hard work and the dedication of a few people such as Jeff Datillo, John Galvin, Lou DiProfio and John Finn, they began to reorganize.
Lou became the League President shortly there-after, and with a loan from the Woodbridge Recreation Department, the League slowly began to climb out of the hole.
Lou recruited me and I was fortunate to have a front row seat for the changes that followed. And that was because Lou had a VISION of what a sports league in this town could be:
TRANSPARENT, ACCOUNTABLE, and RESPECTED
Colonia Youth Basketball as it stands today is Lou’s VISION. It may not be perfect, but it is 1000% better than what he inherited.
There are a number of jobs that need to get done in order for any youth recreation program to operate. Jobs that just get done, but no one bothers to ask, HOW?
Well, the answer is LOU.
The countless hours on the phone dealing with situations, such as the school wanting to take gym time away, or dealing with an unhappy parent or representing Colonia Youth Basketball @ (WTYRC) Woodbridge Township Youth Recreation Committee Meeting, fighting for more gym time.The trophies that are handed out tonight had to get picked up…. By Lou. The jerseys that our 8th grade travel team receives tonight, you guessed it…Lou.
And some of Lou’s other accomplishments: Certified Coaches, Refinished GYM Floor, Basketball Hoops at the Elementary Schools, Championship Night, Drafts in most divisions, Travel Teams, some of which are competing for league championships, Boys and Girls ¾ Divisions playing on FULL COURT, Scholarships and a scoreboard @ the middle school
Clearly, Lou knows how to get things done. He could of very easily jumped off the sinking ship. Instead, he rebuilt it with his VISION, DEDICATION, and PASSION to provide the children of Colonia with a Basketball Program that is sustainable and respected and operated with the highest degree of honesty and integrity, a program the treats all of its members with respect, dignity and inclusion.
It has been a pleasure to work with Lou, Matt Wright, who is my counterpart on the girls side, John Galvin, Patty Morrison, our referees, Lou Pietrangelo, Lenny Zeno, the kids at the table, Chris and my son Eric, as well as all of the people over the years who also volunteered to coach and run a division.
But the real reward, and I know Lou agrees with me on this, is to see these kids grow, and achieve in their own lives, not just on a basketball court, but in the game of life.
I am greatful that we may have provided them with the opportunity so they can have their own VISION.
Thank you.
|
