Riverside’s varsity men’s basketball team is currently 4-5 and will honor its seniors tonight before a home game against Green Hope High School. Head coach Brian Strickland talked to The Pirates’ Hook about the unique 2021 season.
The Pirates’ Hook (PH): What’s it like being a coach during this pandemic?
Brian Strickland (BS): This has been by far the strangest year of my coaching career. For the first time in 17 years, there was no off-season, no summer circuit, no pre-season. So to say the least, it’s been tough.
PH: With schools being closed how do you communicate with your program?
BS: Mostly via text or social media.
PH: How often do you provide updates?
BS: I provide them as much as I can. At times, there are several updates and new information and other times, not so much.
PH: If you were in charge of the NCHSAA, what rules would you have put in place for the winter sports season?
BS: That is why they pay the employees of the NCHSAA the big bucks, for them to make those decisions.
PH: What’s been the most challenging thing about being a coach this year?
BS: Communication
PH: Have there been any silver linings for you, your players or your program during the pandemic?
BS: For me, it was a breather from the grind. Enjoying more time with my wife and family. For the program, it’s a chance to re-evaluate and correct some things that have been troubling me for some time.
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