New coaches named to area posts
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
This year, there have been a number of coaching changes in the local high schools.
On the boy’s side, as published in last week’s edition, November 26, Vaughn Sleeper (former junior varsity coach) replaces longtime coach Tim Toothaker at Southern Aroostook, while at Hodgdon, Jerry Adams takes over the Hawks from Tyler Putnam; Alan Johnson will coach the East Grand boys taking over for Scott Holmes, and Sam Henderson will by the new boy’s coach at Greater Houlton Christian Academy. For the girls, veteran coach Dick Barstow relocated to Florida and double teaming the Katahdin girl’s program are Phil Faulkner and Terry Duffy, and Erika Jackett will run the varsity girl’s program at Greater Houlton Christian Academy.
Also, Barrett Potter is the new athletic director at GHCA, taking over for Cummings.
Since Terry Cummings took over as the women’s volleyball and men’s basketball coach, as well as the health and wellness programmer for campus employees and fitness programs for Gentile Hall members at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, two coaching positions had to be filled at the Greater Houlton Christian Academy.
Taking the helm of the girl’s team is a former player and graduate of the class of 2000 from GHCA, Erika Jackett.
“This is my first year coaching at the varsity level,” Jackett explained. “As an experienced basketball player, I hope to take in as much as I possibly can and be able to broaden their [the players’] knowledge of the game.
“I hope to pass on a passion for the game, but more importantly a strong confidence in themselves,” she added. “Having self-confidence will carry with them long after this season is over. There is so much more to learn from basketball that can be applied to their everyday lives.”
Timing is everything and Jackett couldn’t have planned her return home any better or at a better time.
“God presented this opportunity when I least expected it,” she said. “I had been living out of state for quite some time. My mother was talking about starting a daycare so I decided to come home to help her.”
Offered a coaching position in Pennsylvania, Jackett was unable to pursue it due to circumstances. But, she didn’t know what lay in store.
“In the few months I was preparing to move back, I received a phone call and was given this coaching opportunity,” she explained. “I prayed about it and I was thrilled to accept the offer.”
Jackett’s approach to the game is straight forward … it’s the philosophy she uses in her own life.
“I want my players to work hard and honor God,” she said. “God has given this team, players and coaches, the ability and talent to be here. If we work hard, we will get better and all the while giving glory and honor to God. It is because of Him that we are here and we will never cease to give Him thanks.”
As in life, a foundation must be laid to build on. It’s not different in basketball.
“One of my priorities is to lay a firm foundation of basketball basics,” Jackett explained. “I want them to create good habits out on the floor so they don’t have to think when they play … they can just react.”
Jackett is impressed by what she is seeing on the floor day-in and day-out, her players’ desire to play the game.
“The girls have shown me that they, collectively, have a heart for the game,” she said. “I want each player to see more than just a game to be played; I want them to discover that through practices and the playing of the game there is a purpose for each player. As each Lady Eagle discovers her place on the team this year, hopefully, she will also discover her place in God’s purpose for her life.”
With the surrendering of time and effort to developing skills, Jackett said she wants each player to understand the meaning of sacrifice and dedication.
“It is through this sacrificing and dedication that will bring the reward,” she said. “Whether win or lose, I am going to teach, encourage and coach my girls to one, never quit; two, keep sacrificing and third, to always do their best. Without sacrifice, there will be no victory.” 
The boy’s squad also has a new, but familiar face taking the reigns, Sam Henderson, who held the position of athletic director at the school before Cummings.
“The Lord has led me to these young men, and hopefully, I can build their confidence,” Henderson said.
Though Henderson’s coaching background is limited to the junior high level, he knows the game of basketball, as he was a standout player at Hodgdon High School.
“Our focus will be on fundamentals,” he said. “We need to learn the game before we can excel.”
Henderson, a 1,000-point scorer, member of two state championship teams, two-time William C. Warner Most Valuable Player for the Eastern Maine Class C Tournament and in his senior year, he was a Bangor Daily News All-state player with the Hawks, so he understands what it takes to succeed on the court, but his primary goal is developing off-court character.
“I want to instill in them they can be great at something, and if they are successful here, they can do anything in life,” he said. “Life is very competitive and you have to have a drive to succeed.”
Henderson can identify with his players and help them set goals and achieve them.
“My philosophy is being part of a team and learning to win are
essential elements to life lessons,” he said. “You have two choices: You can step up to the plate and go for it, or cower away into a shell. Second failures lead to successes.”
