New coaches embrace tradition

Two coaches were named this week at programs that traditionally have been among the strongest in the area.
Jeff Brink takes over the boys basketball program at Salem High, and Steve Saulnier was welcomed as the new football coach at West Branch.
Not surprisingly, each embraced the successful tradition begun by the coaches that came before them. At a time when much of society seems inclined to shun the past, sports figures -- and coaches in particular -- feel there is more substance to it than some mere sentiment.
For Brink, this isn't the first time he's been thrust into a situation where winning is expected. He replaced Dom Daltorio at Springfield, and maintained the Tigers' status among the Inter-County League's elite.
This year, he finally broke through the glass ceiling with the school's first district championship in 34 years and a berth in the regional tournament.
"People still talk about the '63 and '68 teams that went to state from Springfield," he says, "and that's something that we talked about to our kids this year -- that, hopefully, 30 years from now at a class reunion, they can relive their success.
"It gives a community a sense of pride and brings people together."
At Salem, Brink faces more of a rebuilding process, but several solid underclassmen give the Quakers higher expectations.
Legend and a mentor
There's another glass ceiling for Brink to deal with -- Salem hasn't won a district championship in boys basketball since 1976. John Cabas coached the Quakers to the state tournament in 1959; an enduring scene from Tuesday night was of he and Brink chatting in the stands.
"From talking to Coach Cabas, I know there's a sense of hunger and a passion for basketball," said Brink.
"The kids, just in the couple of open gyms I've had, are working very hard. They want to be the first group to get over the hump and become winners again."
Brink plans to watch tapes of Cabas' teams, including that '59 squad.
"I think it's important to talk to [Cabas] and to understand what they did," said Brink, "and to be a part of getting back to that."
Different pressure
At West Branch, Saulnier faces pressure of a different kind. He takes over for Jim Laut, who compiled a 183-78-1 record in 25 seasons.
Over the last 19 seasons -- none of which were below .500 -- the Warriors won 79 percent of their games (159-43). They won the Division III state championship in 1994 and had playoff teams six other years.
Saulnier describes tradition as "winning on and off the field.
"It's a way of life for these kids. Each senior class has come through here for Coach Laut and said, 'It's our turn to win.' Our goal is to add to that tradition."
For instance, in 2004, Saulnier hopes to invite back all of the players from the state championship team for a 10-year reunion.
"I hope we can do something, like recognizing them at a game," said Saulnier, "but I also would like them to come talk to our players and share their experiences. It's important for our current players to understand that pride and tradition."
Saulnier hoped all of Laut's assistant coaches would remain on his staff to ensure a smooth transition, but also because those men were a big part of building the tradition.
"It's important to know the tradition of where you are coaching," said Saulnier.
"All those teams and the players, they paved the way for today's teams.
"Coach Laut, for 25 years, had an impact on every single player. I don't want any of them to feel like they can't come back here."
XRob Todor is sports editor of The Vindicator. Write to him at todor@vindy.com.