dean bradshaw

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SoCalHoops High School News

Letters To The Editors:
Kudos For Bradshaw--(Sept. 21, 1999)

Maybe you missed it, but in the Valley edition of the LA Times and in Saturday's Daily News, there were two columns featuring "Letters to the Editor" and interestingly both papers had a number of letters on the same two subjects: (1) The resignation of Simi High's head coach, Dean Bradshaw and (2), the story that just won't die, the Darryl McDonald-Alemany-Rooney firing. Here are the letters on the Bradshaw resignation:

From Suzee Kerr of Simi Valley (LA Times & Daily News):

I was truly floored by the news that Dean Bradshaw will not be coaching boys' basketbal at Simi Valley High this year. He has been a man ofhonor, a mentor, a father and a friend to all these young men throughout the years. The love and knowledge he has for the most important job on this planet--teaching and coaching--cannot be measured. I can't think of anyone as deicated to his profession. I am devastated that I will not get the pleasure of watching him skillfully teach and coach this year. It saddens me to think more children will not get the privilege of having Bradshaw coach them and experience his dedication and leadership.

From Mike Feczko in Thousand Oaks (LA Times & Daily News):

Dean Bradshaw was my basketball coach at Thousand Oaks High in the late 1970's and I want to express what an impresison he left with me. Besides my father, no one has done more for me than Bradshaw. I owe so much to him for giving me an opportunity. He was demanding, motivating and a leader at all times. I am lucky to have played for one of the finest basetball coaches in the country. If walking away from the game at this time is what he wants, he's deserving. I am surprised he never went on to the college level; he has a lot to offer. Congratulations on a great career.

From Butch Hawking, Assistant Basketball Coach, Kansas State (Daily News):

My personal experience with coach Dean Bradshaw dates back to 1986 when I played for him at Simi Valley High. His contributions with the basketball program were key to many successful seasons and just as many successes off the court. he truly excelled as a coach and brought great success and pride to the Simi Valley community. At Simi Valley High, his passion for basketball and his natural ability to relate with young people made him very special.

From Dedree Hoyt in Simi Valley (LA Times & Daily News):

Sometimes there is a man, or a woman, who is a mentor to many people, young and old. These special people are rare. Bradshaw is one of those people. His energy, effort and enthusiasm for our youth cannot be matched. His positive effect and mentorship for thousands will be remembered for many years. I am saddened to see that many students will no longer benefit from his leadership and influence.

From Marty Wilson, Assistant basketball coach at UCSB (LA Times):

Your article really disturbed me. I ahve known Bradshaw since I was a sophomore at Simi Valley High 17 years ago. It disappoints me that other high school coaches would be bothered by "the steady flow" of transfers coming in to play for him. Good players want to play for a good basketball coach. I spent the 1989-90 season as his assistant and have continued to value him as a credible source for coaching advice, as well as a personal friend. He has always been a positive leader and I have a great deal of respect for him. It frustrates me that others are att4mpting to ruin the reputation of a good man who has worked so hard for many children. Bradshaw is a father, teacher and coach who has worked extremely hard to help young student-athletes succeed in the classroom, on the basketball court and in life. His loyalty, dedication and ability to teach, motivate and mold young men into caring, responsible adults will afford him the opportunity to turn another high school basktball program into a powerhouse. I am sad that it won't be my alma mater.