Coaching changes for the boys varsity basketball team have brought new energy to players and a positive atmosphere.
Tim Livingstone, former coach at Ridley High School, is the new head basketball coach. He has been coaching basketball for almost six years. Joining him is Mr. Kevin Haney, an English teacher at the high school who returns as an assistant coach after a year away.
Last year’s season was an especially difficult one. The team lost all but one game, going 0-16 in the conference and 1-19 overall.
After that chaotic stretch, players are glad for a fresh start and more stability.
“We were missing the one thing that brought everybody together, and everybody was trying to play for themselves,” junior swing guard Theo Jaurgei said.
Livingstone was once a high school basketball player himself when he attended school overseas. He later graduated from Penn State. He has long been obsessed with basketball.
“I knew within five minutes, I’m working for this guy,” Haney said. “I felt his passion, his enthusiasm for the game, for the kids, and for building a program.”
To prepare for the season, the team participated in spring and summer leagues and tournaments. Coaches also held open gyms that many players attended.
“Every coach wants to be successful, but I want this probably even more,” Livingstone said, explaining that his deep ties to Strath Haven, both from living in the community and seeing two of his children graduate from the high school, motivate him to win.
Before his break, Haney coached basketball at Haven for many years. As a high school teacher, he is another familiar face in the community. When describing the team atmosphere, passionate was the first word that came to mind.
“We practice, and we play with a lot of passion,” Haney said. “They’ve [the players] accepted the challenge that we need to be better in every aspect of the game.”
Haney is popular among players for his pre-game speeches that help to motivate the team. According to senior point guard Jacob Wenke, this improves the team chemistry.
“He’s a big locker-room guy,” senior point guard Jacob Wenke said. “He gets everyone hyped before games.”
Coaches hope this team energy will continue to motivate players to work hard no matter the outcome of a game and improve as a team throughout the season.
“Now that the season is officially live, it’s pretty much going to be practice, game, practice, game, etc.,” Livingstone said. “My goal is just to help them be better versions of themselves, on and off the court.”
The team is currently 2-1, beating Upper Merion 66-37, Plumstead Christian 67-32, and losing to Penncrest 54-38.
