By Kaelyn Dimartino ’25
This year, Derby High School boys’ basketball starts fresh with a new beginning. There is new leadership including DHS finance teacher Robert Swierbitowicz as head coach, assistant coach James Brown, and volunteer coach Shane Swierbitowicz. Swierbitowicz expressed that it is awesome that he gets to coach the boys and that it is so cool to interact with them and see buckets go in. The boys’ basketball tryouts started on Thursday, November, 30. Tryouts started off great with a total of 27 boys. Before the tryouts started, the boys got to shoot around for a little bit. Once the tryouts started, Swierbitowicz talked to the boys a little bit and read his mission statement to them. He stated, “We are family” which he wants the boys to know through and through. Swierbitowicz explained that his coaching would be like how he coached his baseball team: there are going to be fun times, but also serious times. He wants the boys to learn and improve this season since they are starting fresh with a new head coach.
Coach Robert Swierbitowicz wrote the boys a mission statement which has all of his expectations and rules. It was very detailed and unique so here are some important points from it.
Swierbitowicz outlined the basketball participation expectations, program philosophy, players responsibility/expectations, parent and spectator responsibilities, and coaches responsiblity/policies. In particular, he stated, “The Derby High School Basketball Program is intended to be a positive experience for each and every player who participates.” The coach’s philosophy is to provide a competitive and hardworking program. The coaching staff believes that basketball is more than just a ball and a hoop but also friendships, lessons learned, and to better yourself.
The coaches also make the players aware of what they are responsible for. Swierbitowicz stated, “Exhibit the qualities of sportsmanship and proper behaviors, performing at the highest level in practice, games, and the classroom, putting the goals of the team above individual desires, and effort/attitude.” Student athletes must work hard all the time to succeed. It is a privilege to be selected to be a part of a sports team, and that should never be taken for granted. Players must not only follow Swierbitowicz rules, but also the school’s rules along with the CIAC. Participating is also something that a player needs to be responsible for. You have to be 100% committed to the team. Lastly, behavior and school work is one of the most important things. Without good grades and good behavior you will not be able to play on the team which is why it is very important to obey all of the rules that are set for student athletes.
Parents and spectators also have rules that they must obey too. Swierbitowicz explained, “Please accept the decision of the officials. Do not boo or heckle regardless of your feelings, players model what they observe.” Sometimes it is hard to control your emotions and feelings but just like the players, parents and spectators also need to be respectful at all times. Supportiveness is key and one of the most important things that a parent should focus on doing for their child.
Lastly, the coach’s responsibilities and policies are very crucial. Coaches are in charge of making the big decicsions on the team. The coaches select players to be on the team, decide who plays in games, decides practice times, and make game strategies. Coaches have a lot on their hands. The reason they have all these rules is because their student athletes represent them. The coaches care about each and everyone of their players and want to make sure people look at them with respect.
With this excellent mission statement made by Robert Swierbitowicz it looks like the team is on the right track. In the scrimmage against O’Brien Tech on December 6, 2023, the boys did absolutely amazing and hopefully they will carry out all the hard work and effort into each and every game they play.
This years boys varsity basketball roster is: Jhanovys Ortiz, Anthony Williams, Sonny Khanthaphixay, Kobe Marroquin, Xiare Henriquez-Lappots, Jayzair Barbera, Daniel Jett, Jeziel Caba, Jordany Zapata, Brooklyn Fernandez, Kobe Detvongsa, Jaden Domino, Christopher Farrell, Angel Lopez, Matthew Marroquin, and Ryan Lebel.
The Raider Press 