Joel Washko was a talented athlete in high school, and he went on to play NCAA Division I college baseball. Sports are all about winning at that level.
But Washko knew that victories, at least in the literal sense, could be few and far between for the boys basketball team at Greenview High School when he accepted the head coaching job for this season. The Menard County school has an enrollment of 67 students, and there was very little varsity experience on this year’s roster.
With small-school regional tournaments starting this week, Washko will remind his players that everyone starts the postseason 0-0. But the Bulldogs, 1-23 in the regular season, will be underdogs tonight when they meet Hartsburg-Emden in the Class 1A Mason City Illinois Central Regional.
Washko admits this season’s experience has led him to measure success in different ways. And if he needs to be reminded about keeping things in perspective, Washko thinks about Shelby Bard.
“I played on high school teams that were really competitive,” Washko said. “But this has opened my eyes a little bit. I knew coming into the season, talent and experience-wise, we weren’t there. But they’ve all gotten better and made strides.
“With Shelby, it’s really nice to see what happens when he plays. It definitely shows you a great side of high school athletics. For our kids, Shelby’s their brother. They take to him. I think it says something about Shelby and about small-town mentality.
“It’s nice to see. They’re all very close.”
Special player
Bard, a junior, does not carry impressive statistics. He’s not a starter, and he usually doesn’t enter a game until its latter stages. But he has a special place on the team, mostly because he enjoys being on the court — or at least in uniform — despite suffering from a form of cerebral palsy.
“It’s been a tough season, but watching Shelby is awesome; it’s amazing,” said Justin Whitcomb, one of just two seniors on this year’s team. “I look forward to watching him play.
“He and I are pretty close. He’s definitely great to have around.”
Bard has made six 3-point baskets in varsity play this season, although he’s also played in junior varsity games. He considers the long-range shot his specialty, and it’s rare if fans for both teams don’t stand up and cheer when Bard hits one.
Read more of Dave Kane's The State Journal Register article HERE.
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