Note of Appreciation

Note of Appreciation . . .
Concerning West Catholic Coach Bill Ludlow

    I would just like to give you some of my thoughts on this year's
Catholic League Coach of the Year.
    I played for Coach Ludlow's first team and was part of his first win as
a varsity head coach. I remember the first time I met Coach Ludlow.
I was a sophomore playing pick up in the gym and this tall, shaved-head
man, who looked like Sergeant Slaughter (smile), was standing at the top
of the gym steps.
    A buzz started in the gym & everyone was on their best behavior
because that was him, the new assistant basketball coach brought in to
bring discipline to the program.
    He had a presence about him and I knew he was a man I would
give my left arm to play for. I knew back then Coach Ludlow was a
special man and thought the world of him. As 11 years have gone by I
still think the world of him and I'm not sure many players can say the
same about their coaches. He was just more than a coach to all his
players. He was a father figure and a dear friend. I am amazed at all
the time and energy he put into building the program. From taking us to
camps, summer leagues, college games, dinners, car rides, college
decisions -- he was always there lending any kind of help. The money came
right out of his own pocket and he never said a word. I miss those times
and not a day goes by that I don't think of the times I spent with him
and my teammates.
    I could go on & on with great story after great story but I will finish
with this statement: My parents are thankful every day that I was around
Coach Ludlow's teaching & leadership over the past 11 years and I know
that many other West Catholic players/students feel the same way!

-- Jimmy Reilly