RE: Hawkins OUT
Hawkins with emotional Facebook post. Guy is class-act.
"From my first day on the job to my last. The cleaning out of the office is finally complete.
17 years ago I was named Head Coach at Western Michigan University. It has been an honor, privilege, and a title I have not taken lightly since that day. This program has been my baby.
I want to say thank you. I thank all of our fans, boosters, students, co-workers, and alumni. There are way too many to name.
I have to especially thank all of our assistant coaches through the years. Your loyalty to our program and all it stood for was special and doesn’t exist in every program. You treated WMU Basketball as more than a job. More than co-workers, you were and are friends. I have to single out Clayton Bates and Annemarie Mernagh Bates. He walked in the door the same day I did and has been my rock ever since.
Finally, the players. I post this with emotion. Only you know why. All of you former and current players ARE the program. It’s not a coach, administrator, fan, or alum. It’s you. You have literally poured blood, sweat, and tears on to that floor and in that locker room. You are teammates and friends for life. I will never be able to repay you for all your sacrifices. Bronco blood is thick. I love you all.
I was fortunate to witness it.
I want to say that the outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming. I haven’t been able to get back to all of you personally. Rest assured that I have read every post, tweet, message, and text. It can’t be overstated how much it has meant.
When I was hired 17 years ago I was asked numerous times by numerous people to not use their university as a “stepping stone.” I listened and am proud that I kept that promise. Over the 20 years (3 as an Assistant Coach) I’ve spent at WMU, this university has undergone and incredible amount of change during the 6 presidents that have occupied that office.
I am not sure what the future holds for Kelly Hawkins and I. There’s never a good time to get let go from your job. During a pandemic, a looming recession, sports world shutting down, and all with a 14, 8, and 7yr old will bring an even greater set of challenges.
One of the tenants of our program, however, is based on the term, “Next Possession.” It not only applies to the court but also serves as a metaphor for life. Regardless of what happens we have to move on to the next thing.
In closing, the main philosophy of our program is based on Coach Wooden’s definition of success which states, “success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” As Coach used to tell me, “after all what more could you possibly do than your best?”
Kelly, my family, and I thank you for all the memories. My dog is named Buster, and I have the “W” tattooed on my arm. I listened to all of you and never wavered in my love for Kalamazoo and Western Michigan University. I’m a Bronco for life."
I have one memory in particular that's personal so I won't share it, but this coach has a big heart.
(This post was last modified: 03-22-2020 06:46 PM by Bronco'14.)
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