Having a ball – once again
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Vermont Frost Heaves fans celebrate a basket during the first half of the home opener against Montreal on Thursday night in Barre. The Heaves won 115-105. Story, C1. Jeb Wallace-Brodeur/Times Argus |
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By Kris Martin Correspondent - Published: November 16, 2007
BARRE- Quick question.
How many Vermonters does it take to change a professional basketball team? Answer? A few thousand: One (a coach) to bring in and train a whole bunch of new players, and the rest to cheer them on.
There were more than cluster flies buzzing at the Barre Auditorium Thursday night as fans packed the bleachers to welcome the ABA champion Vermont Frost Heaves home to celebrate – and to kick off their first home game of the season. At a time of the year when the sun goes down early and the weather drives folks indoors (save for a few herdy deer hunters) Dr. Naismith's game of basketball is flourishing in the Granite City, to the enjoyment of all present.
"It's a great thing for Barre," said Danville resident Dan Barry. "It's unbelievable to be able to be a part of this. To have a team that is so young and talented. A lot of it has to do with Coach Will Voigt of course. How he can find all of these guys using his connections to put a team like this together."
Voigt's new 2007 team may be changed a lot, but his formula seems to be working again.
Perhaps most important, is the way the team bonds with the fans. Kids have no choice when it comes to looking up to guys who are taller than they are, but they do have a choice when it comes to the interaction. The players could run behind the locker room doors but instead were out high-fiving grandparents and taking photos with children. Oh, to be young again, and at least for one night feel like a community.
"The team had that 'fanfest' earlier this year," continued Barry, "And the players come over to you and talk to the fans without their egos. The team is fan-friendly, they open the doors early and encourage people to come."
"I was thinking it was just about a year ago that we were all here welcoming the Frost Heaves to Barre, excited about the prospects for a successful season, and who would've thought they would be the ABA champs?!" said Gov. Jim Douglas, on-hand for the season opener. "Wait a minute. We knew that they would be! They've really brought a lot of excitement to the community. Good crowds at all the games, buying local products, employing local people, the players reaching out to the kids and helping them work on their skills and having a good time," Douglas said.
"It's a tremendous addition to Central Vermont. It's important to have recreational opportunities that are constructive and fun for families and people of all ages," the governor said.
Moving through the crowd was an optimism that comes when one knows tonight's winning lottery numbers. They got off on the right foot, despite stumbling and losing most of the 21-point lead they built by halftime, before pulling out a victory 115-105 of the Montreal Royal.
The Frost Heaves have installed themselves as favorites and the model franchise of the ABA. And going to a Frost Heaves game one can't help but feel a little guilty with the prospect of having a team that not only competes, but contends for a title year after year. It's a testament to the coaching and scouting staff, one that fans, coaches and players agree with.
"It's great to be back and part of this environment here in Vermont," said returning player Issa Konare. "It's something amazing and unbelieveable. I'm happy to be back, trying to get better and help my team. The new guys fit right in and we're starting the same way."