Mike MacDonald, Head Coach, Men’s Basketball
Medaille College, Buffalo, NY

Mike MacDonald was the head coach at Canisius College for the past nine seasons. The 2000-01 Golden Griffins reached the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship game under MacDonald. For his work that season, MacDonald was named the Basketball Coaches Association of New York Co-Coach of the Year. MacDonald has also coached the Western Region Open Squad in the Empire State Games for six seasons, leading his teams to three gold medals (1994, 1995, 1997), one silver medal (1998) and one bronze medal (1998).

In addition to MacDonald's success on the court, he has played a key role in development of the basketball program and the academic development of student-athletes while at Canisius. Under his leadership, two of the last five MAAC Scholar Athletes of the Year have been from Canisius. MacDonald's tenure at Canisius also saw renovations to the Koessler Athletic Center and upgrading the men's basketball schedule. In 2001 MacDonald was named to the Business First 40 Under Forty list of outstanding young leaders in Western New York.

1 - As a youth league coach, what should I be teaching the kids that I'm probably not?

The most important thing to teach is the fundamentals!  Drill them, drill them, drill them!!  Don't worry about a fancy offense in basketball, make sure the kids can pass and catch and dribble and shoot first.  After that, teach them how to respect the game and their opponent.  Too many kids are in to trash talking, helmet throwing, etc., because they see it on TV.  It's up to youth coaches to correct that!

2 - What shouldn't I be teaching the kids that I probably am?

Trick plays, gadget plays, etc..  Don't teach a flea-flicker in football before the kids know how to block and tackle.  Keep the game simple, and focus on skill development, not W's and L's! 

3 - What is the most important fundamental for kids to learn?

How to hustle and play hard at all times.  Also, to not get down on themselves when they make a mistake.  Those things are invaluable to youngsters, and they all go back to respecting the game.

4 - Who is the best coach you know?

John Beilein , West Virginia University

5 - Why do you coach?

I coach because I like to see players get better…on the court and off.  I get a rush out of watching that gangly freshman turn into a mature senior.  I like to know that I may have played a small, very small part in someone improving their game and their life.  There's nothing better than getting a call from someone you coached many years ago, and realizing that that young man, as grown in to an adult.  Sounds hokey, but it's true.  Coaches-at all levels- can make a difference!

Introducing a new feature here at CoachKidsSports.com.  Today and Monday will feature five question interviews with Division III coaches.  Today's entry is Pete Lonergan, the Women's Head Basketball coach at Medaille College in Buffalo, NY.  Monday features Mike MacDonald, the Men's Head Basketball coach at Medaille.

Pete Lonergan, Head Coach, Women’s Basketball
Medaille College, Buffalo, NY

Pete Lonergan is entering his fourth season as the Head Coach of the Lady Mavs with a coaching record of 56-20 (.738). Last season Lonergan coached the Lady Mavs to a 26-2 overall record, going undefeated in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (18-0). The Lady Mavs won the AMCC post season tournament and advanced to the NCAA tournament. The Lady Mavs won their first round match-up against Washington & Jefferson, but lost in the second round to the University of Rochester. Lonergan has been named the AMCC Coach-of-the-Year for his work the past two seasons. Lonergan brings experience as a Division I Head Coach at St. Francis University and Niagara University.  He has an extensive coaching "tree" with more than eight former assistants or players currently coaching.

1 - As a youth league coach, what should I be teaching the kids that I'm probably not?

The three areas that youth coaches should focus on are:

1. Fundamentals
2. Making sure the kids are having fun
3. The concept of team first.

2 - What shouldn't I be teaching the kids that I probably am?

Most coaches focus on winning and losing. While it’s fun to win, it shouldn’t be the priority at that age. Coaches should focus on the development of basic skills and fundamentals. 

3 - What is the most important fundamental for kids to learn?

It depends on the sport, but focusing on the fundamental skills of each sport. For basketball, kids should learn to master the basics of dribbling, passing and shooting. For football, you should focus on tackling, blocking, throwing, running and catching, etc. For young athletes to get better they first need to understand and execute the simple, basic drills and movements necessary in their sport. 

4 - Who is the best coach you know?

Pat Riley

5 - Why do you coach?

There are two reasons. First, at any level, a coach is a teacher and I enjoy teaching and watching a player learn the skills. I enjoy seeing players learn skills and develop their throughout their playing career. Secondly, at the collegiate level, I enjoy the competition. The preparation, planning and strategy add an exciting element to the coaching experience.