It is with a heavy heart we say our farewells to Lake Charles native, Butch Sigler. Some of the most influential people in our lives, after our parents, are our former coaches. In high school, it is essential for young athletes to benefit from positive role models. They’re in their formative years and the foundations of their future personalities are being laid every day. Sooner or later, it’s time for Mom and Dad to step aside and turn the whistle over to someone that knows how to use it.
Butch Sigler was born to coach and was always a consummate gym rat. He was a student of athletic games and a master at picking them apart. He was much more than just a great Xs and Os coach.
Coach demanded discipline and the team’s undivided attention, but managed to keep it fun.
At the end of a grueling practice, St. Louis fans loved it when Sigler simply rolled a ball across the gym floor. Each player took his turn in the painful process of trying to save the ball. It was essential to dive on the hard, wooden floor and give it up. But, Coach, they have no pads on!
Soon everyone was clapping and cheering on their fellow team members. It was a moving experience, and more than once fans in the peanut gallery got on their feet and joined in. There were skinned knees and red elbows, but it sure felt good to give it up for the team.
This simple drill brought our team together and made Coach smile.
The players he coached were very fortunate to have had the benefit of playing for him. They came away not only much better players, but more important, better people.
Great coaches have to wear many hats. They’re nurturing our most precious commodity — our kids — so it’s imperative they get it right. A child can acquire many lessons that prepare them for the rigors of the real world by participating in athletic competition. After surviving Coach Sigler’s “gassers” (killer wind sprints) at the end of each practice, the rest was a cakewalk.
His players were well prepared mentally and physically and always highly competitive. We often played above our skill level against bigger teams that always walked away with a healthy dose of respect. If there was a way to beat them, our head coach would figure it out. His teams never left anything on the table. That’s the trademark of any well-coached team.
The sporting world will mourn the loss of Coach Sigler. His former players will always be grateful for his guidance and direction. They learned much more than how to dribble a ball with their off-hand. The benefits his ex-players absorbed through their playing careers are too many to mention here. Their grateful parents will always appreciate Butch’s effort and expertise in handling our children and getting them started down the right path.
Butch’s legacy will live on, manifesting itself in the lives of his former players. He undoubtedly had a lot to do with much of the success they’ve enjoyed in their lives. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of his former players have gone on to realize success in their chosen professional careers.
Sports are a microcosm of life. The lessons learned on Coach Sigler’s basketball court are good for a lifetime, and will always be appreciated.
In the end, it’s not just about wins and losses. It is the lessons of a lifetime players take with them when their careers are finis that are the gold standard of quality coaching.
Amen!
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