Former Fox coach Rich Chambers.
Photograph by: NOW , file photo
Those who know Rich Chambers well are aware of the dichotomy that is one of B.C.'s most dynamic basketball coaches.
On the court, the super-intense instructor maintains a laser-like focus on the things that matter, pacing the sidelines like a hummingbird with a beak full of sugar.
Away from the court, the long-time counsellor at Terry Fox Secondary has an easy-going nature that he splices with gracious comments and a quick self-deprecating wit.
So when congratulated Thursday on being inducted into Basketball BC's Hall of Fame, Chambers accepted it in his own humble fashion.
"What does it mean? It means I'm old," quipped the Port Moody resident. "Seriously, it's an incredible honour when you hear the people who have been inducted and honoured. It's a great group of people to be considered and mentioned with."
His resume includes head coach of Basketball B.C.'s Centre for Performance, numerous national, university and high school programs, and a variety of provincial squads.
Chambers is joined by fellow coaching luminaries Allison McNeill and one-time Port Coquitlam resident Tim Frick, athletes Teresa Gabriele and Phil Ohl and official Dean MacKinnon.
For Chambers, who is currently on leave from his position as head coach of the University of Victoria's women's team, there have been a variety of
events over his 40-year coaching career that stand out. But there is also something about every team that elicits fond memories.
"I enjoy coaching and I still enjoy coaching," he said, noting that he has accepted the position as head coach of the junior national under-18 team for this coming summer.
"I've been very fortunate to be involved with so many great coaches and athletes."
In his first year at Terry Fox Secondary, Chambers worked alongside Don Van Os with a team that would capture the school's first provincial senior boys title.
That victory, 20 years ago, continues to resonate, he said.
"It was just an unbelievable group, with some outstanding athletes," he recalled. "If you're in it long enough these kinds of things happen, going well and going badly."
The Basketball BC Hall of Fame and Awards Gala is slated for April 20 at the Langley Events Centre. For ticket information, go to www. basketball.bc.ca.
