As a point guard at Clarkston High School, Grand Valley State University and Aquinas College, Tim Wasilk viewed himself as an extension of his coach.
Wasilk is no longer an extension, he is the root, as he takes over the CHS varsity girls basketball team this year.
?(Coaching varsity) comes with more responsibility. As a varsity coach, it’s your program. The offenses and defenses we put in trickle down to the junior varsity and freshman teams and into the middle school,? said Wasilk.
Hitting the ground running with open gyms in the spring, team camp and conditioning in the summer Wasilk feels he has steeped himself in the Clarkston program.
‘We’ve had two practices a day for the last week. We were able to get in everything we needed to offensively and defensively,? said Wasilk.
Whether fueling bonds during strenuous late-August two-a-days or at a recent Detroit Shock game, Wasilk is getting to know who his players are and what they can do.
‘I know we’ll play smart ? If (the players) are committed to the program the rest will fall into place,? said Wasilk
As far as coaching philosophy goes, Wasilk wants his team to mirror their coach, someone driven by winning, a fierce yet sporting competitor.
Wasilk graduated from Clarkston in 1996 and played college ball at Grand Valley State. After two years at Grand Valley, a coaching change precipitated a move to Aquinas College for his final two years of college basketball.
The door to Clarkston opened for Wasilk when former varsity girls basketball coach Ann Lowney left the program so she could spend more time with her family. After landing the basketball gig, Wasilk also secured a job teaching eighth and ninth grade math at Clarkston Junior High School.
Prior to taking over at CHS, Wasilk was an assistant coach for boys basketball coach and CHS athletic director Dan Fife. He went on to coach junior varsity girls basketball at Stoney Creek High School over the past two years. He also coached the JV boys at Rochester High School last year. Wasilk also taught math and science in the Rochester school district last year.
‘I’ve always thought about getting back in the Clarkston school district,? said Wasilk.
While he feels comfortable with his players both on a personal level and with their abilities, Wasilk’s first test looms. The varsity’s first game is Aug. 29 at Grand Blanc.
Wasilk does not try to put on superhuman airs, or remain aloof from pressure ? he is human and whether his team is successful in their first game, or throughout his first season as their leader, he remains true to himself.
‘I always get nervous before games but, I think I am ready for the season,? said Wasilk.