RVC coaches share their voices

To let the coaches of RVC have a voice on The Valley Forge website is something that is very important. They are one of the main reasons the athletics here, at RVC, continue to be so dominant. The way they not only train their athletes, but seek them out is vital to what makes their team work together or fall apart. To dive deeper into the understanding of what the coaches here at RVC think about themselves, their sport, and their athletes, I created a few question for them to answer so we all can know how truly dedicated they are to their team, the sport, and everything in between. Keep in mind, these questions only give a brief overview of what the coaches are like. To see them in their “true form” (which basically equates to what they’re like), head to a few RVC sporting events. There are so many games going on from just the few number of athletics offered here, but they won’t disappoint you. There’s something for everyone.

Head Men’s Basketball Coach: Evan Lavery:

What do you look for in future athletes? Tough, work hard every day, have more questions than answers, intelligent, athletic, skilled, good student

What are some “turn offs” that a coach might see in an athlete? Bad body language, bad teammate, poor/unwilling student, uncoachable

What are some of your goals for this season? Trust into the process of getting better each day individually and as a group, win a region championship, play our best basketball at the end of the year so we can compete for a national championship (yes – expectations are high!)

What is the strongest part of your team? Our players

What is one word or phrase you want people to associate your name with? Tough

What are some of your best memories coaching? Winning national championships in 2014 and 2016, and seeing players sign letters of intent to their 4-year school

How has coaching affected your life? I get to work with great student-athletes. They impact my life daily.

How has coaching impacted your life the most? I get to work with great student-athletes. They impact my life daily.

Who has influenced your life the most in coaching? Why? Too many to name all of them – Been spoiled to be around a bunch of great coaches at some point or another. If I had to name a couple, I would say Craig Doty (former RVC Head Men’s Basketball Coach) for putting up with me for 3 years as an assistant. He allowed me to develop each day. Without him, I would not be in this great situation. Another would be Charlie Wilson (Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Indian River State College) who recruited me to Central Methodist University. When I met him, I saw what “working hard” really was. He made the first impact on my coaching life.

Head Baseball Coach: Chad Herren:

What do you look for in future athletes? Rock Valley College Baseball looks for strong high-character student-athletes that can perform on the field and in the classroom.  We do things a certain way here at Rock Valley College and want the future athlete to fit that mold and into our programs philosophy.

What are some “turn offs” that a coach might see in an athlete? I want students to be strong in the community that represent Rock Valley College in the best way possible.  Again, I want high-character guys that are here to work hard and represent and amazing culture and community here at Rock Valley College and the city of Rockford, IL.

What are some of your goals for this season? Our team goals are the same: To win conference and play for and win a national title.  We want to make progress throughout the year, but play at a very high level.

What is the strongest part of your team? Our strongest part is our team chemistry.  We have talent in many positions on the field, but always looking for ways to get better and refine our craft.

What is one word or phrase you want people to associate your name with? Competitive

What are some of your best memories coaching? Best memories coaching are putting in the daily “Grind” of practice, spending times with the guys watching them mature and grow on the field and in the classroom.  I enjoy watching them succeed.

How has coaching affected your life? Coaching has greatly affected my life by creating connections throughout the country, getting to meet great people.  Each player is an individual and finding the niche to allow for maximum growth in each athlete.

How has coaching impacted your life the most? It gives me great reward getting to be a small part of the student-athlete’s life.  After they go away, watching what fully becomes of the them and staying in touch.  It has also taught me to not to take things for granted and enjoy the ride.

Who has influenced your life the most in coaching? Why? My high school coach and my collegiate coach.  I know it sounds cliché, but they pushed me and wanted me to be better on and off the field.  Also, they stay connected long after my playing days were over.  They taught me more about how to be a good person professionally and personally.  They didn’t let me slide to any capacity.  I simply want to say thanks.