Leah Rush's Coach Wil story

Here's another Coach Wil story for you. This one to take my mind off of what's to come.

Thanks, Leah!

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LEAH RUSH

I grew up in Amarillo and played high school ball at Amarillo High. When I was about 16 and could drive, I started traveling around the Amarillo/Canyon area to find the best pick-up games after school and in the summers. Most people weren't sure what to think of an AHS kid, alone, showing up at random gyms throughout the area. 

I didn't know your dad well, but I knew him to be a strong coach and word was that he was a good guy. I remember walking into the RHS gym one day, uninvited. I was desperate to get a good game and heard that the runs at Randall were competitive. Coach Wil walked up - he recognized me - and welcomed me to the gym. After a short conversation, he said that I was welcome to come around and play ball there anytime. I remember that fondly. I decided he must have appreciated my passion for the game, and wanted to help nurture that. For the next two years, I showed up at the Randall gym on occasion and never felt out of place. He always greeted me kindly, and even went out of his way to help me on several occasions. 

My senior year we lost to Randall. I remember feeling like I played pretty poorly. I don't remember exactly what he told me, but I do remember that he said something kind, congratulating me for my high school career and wishing me well as I went off to Oklahoma to play. I appreciated that. 

After I left Amarillo, I kept ties with the hoops community in Amarillo. I remember when he and Coach Blaut helped Coach Gerlich at WT, and how much fun it looked like they were having (despite it being a tough year for various reasons). And I remember how much Coach Gerlich appreciated them for that. I, on occasion, would help with summer camps at WT, go to games, or generally just visit. It was always fun to chat to Coach Wil and hear about 'retired' life and his family, which he always spoke about with pride. 

After I left OU and began playing ball professionally, I often thought back to my basketball roots in West Texas. The women's basketball community there was special (I hope it still is). There were so many things that had such a profound impact on helping me to achieve my goals on the court (and off court, too, of course). There's a beautiful tapestry of places, faces, and lessons that make-up the fabric of my basketball career and my years growing up in Amarillo. Coach Wil is definitely part of that tapestry. I think of how he so welcomed and supported me (even as a "rival"); his generosity with his time and energy; and his dedication to the game and the lives of the kids who played it. 

Please send your father my sincere gratitude and admiration. And to you, your family, and Coach Wil, I send my heartfelt sympathies as you all go through a difficult time. I wish for you all peace of mind and spirit as you tackle the challenges that life undoubtedly brings; and that with each day, you see some of the joys as well.