Vince D’Adamo: Be it as an administrator or coach, what did you enjoy most about being involved in athletics?
Greg Schmitz: In being involved at the high school level most of my career (28 at Justin-Siena, five at De La Salle and now four at Sacred Heart Cathedral), what really excited me was observing the growth student/athletes showed over the course of four years. Students start as ninth graders with a lot of potential and with good programs with good coaches develop important life skills and fulfill the school's learning expectations by the time they graduate. As a basketball coach I really enjoyed game nights. Nothing beats a packed high school gym with two top teams going at each other.
D’Adamo: It is often said that athletics and academics coexist, how much have you found that to be true?
Schmitz: It is so much more than just co-existing. Schools have a responsibility to educate the entire child. To do so they need strong co-curricular programs including visual and performing arts, athletics, student leadership programs, campus ministry, service programs, etc. I would hate to be at a high school that did not offer an athletic program.
D’Adamo: Beyond victories and defeats, when bringing in a coach, what are common denominator qualities you seek?
Schmitz: Along with knowledge of the game and experience (and at times maybe even more importantly), I look for coaches who have strong relationship skills, are good communicators, have a sense of humor, are hard workers, are responsible, and are willing to take critique. When hiring at a religious school you also need a coach who demonstrates a faith element. The best coaches I had the pleasure of being a part of hiring (John O'Connor, Dave Shipp, Rich Cotruvo, Tom Bonfigli, Bruce Halverson, Marsha Niemann, Allen Rossi, Bob Spinelli, Mike Boles, and Kelly Porter to name a few) all fully bought into and lived the mission of the school. Kudos to my athletic director, Lynn McCarroll, for finding all these folks.
D’Adamo: From the student-athlete perspective, what life lessons do you hope they learn from sports?
Schmitz: My hope is all student/athletes demonstrate and develop the values and/or principles of integrity, patience, collaboration, thought, problem solving, hard work, resiliency, hope, and love.
D’Adamo: Within your family, who have been the most influential people?
Schmitz: Robert Schmitz, my father, taught me to see goodness in all people. He was heavily involved in youth athletic leadership with both track and field and Little League baseball. Chris, my wife, has been an inspiration to me. While I was out coaching (at JSHS for 10 years) or officiating (high school and collegiate basketball and baseball), she has raised our seven children and now helps with three grandchildren.
D’Adamo: Name a historical figure, dead or alive, in or out of sports you would most like to meet. What would intrigue you about meeting him or her?
Schmitz: I really enjoy sports and would love to have dinner with Willie Mays, Stephen Curry, Jon Miller, Will Clark, and Jeff Gordon. Jesus Christ would be the historical figure that would be beyond intriguing to me.
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