There are three high school coaches in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame: Morgan Wootten of DeMatha Catholic High School (Hyattsville, Maryland), Bertha Teague of Byng High School (Ada, Oklahoma), and Bobby Hurley of St. Anthony’s High School (Jersey City, New Jersey). Hurley was inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. In all, there are eighty-two coaches in the Hall (in addition to Pete Newell, Clair Bee, and Teague who are listed as contributors for unknown reasons).
Hurley – who has been the subject of a book in 2008 (The Miracle of St. Anthony by Adrian Wojnarowski) and a 2010 DVD (The Street Stops Here) – is noted for his discipline and standards. Durin g the mid-2000s, the Friars had reached a low point: a group of seniors was in danger of graduating without winning a state title. For some, it would have been a time to relax the rules in order to recapture past glory. Hurley retained confidence in his methods and understood that when two roads diverge on a yellow hardwood, taking the one that is grassy and wants wear can make all the difference. True success for the youths that comprised the St. Anthony’s squad lies in reaching long-term goals not chasing fleeting short-term ambition.
The Street Stops Here profiles a challenging season, when both the basketball team and the school struggle. Talented members of the basketball squad are suspended for missing practices, teenagers are chastised for losing their focus (one starter is ejected from a game after receiving two technical fouls for hanging on the rim) yet Hurley perseveres. The principal of the school, Sister Alan, faces her own battle with cancer yet she continues to fight because of the young people who St. Anthony’s helps.
Hurley demands near perfection from players because he knows that they can achieve it. He knows that the team must come together in order to win on the court and that the players must learn that lesson in order to win later in life. Players seeking adulation and attention from recruiters and college coaches have worn the quick and easy path down but the one demanding hard work is covered by leaves no step had trodden black. Hurley and Sister Alan endeavour to guide as many players down that road as possible.
Taking the subway from New York City to school every day shows true commitment. Working out in the school basement shows true commitment. Holding the same coaching position for thirty-nine years shows true commitment. Hurley hopes that his example will inspire the same commitment from student-athletes. Reaching the next level requires physical, technical and mental training. St. Anthony’s provides that training for youths who truly need it. ***