Last year, Coach John Sheinman left the PSU basketball court to take a job with the university. This year, Coach Damien Strahorn takes over the reins of the men’s basketball team. Mon., the team takes on Colby Sawyer at the Jacobs Bridge Through Autism Classic and this week were are lucky to be on the prowl with our new coach.
Mike Moore: First off, Who are you? Where are you from? Where have you been?
Coach Damien Strahorn: I’m the new Head Coach of Men’s Basketball at PSU. Originally, I am from Menlo Park, CA where I grew up before coming east to go to school. Most recently I was an assistant coach for four years at Columbia University in New York City. Prior to that, I was an assistant for four years at Colby College in Waterville, ME.
MM: How has it been adjusting to being the new coach? Are the players getting accustomed to everything?
Coach: It’s been great. This is something I’ve wanted to do and have been preparing for over the last eight years. I’m fortunate to have been a part of two really strong programs and worked for two great coaches, Dick Whitmore and Joe Jones. The guys on the team have been more then I can ask for. Their attitudes and enthusiasm have been tremendous and it is a great mix of veterans and first year guys. It always takes time when a new coach comes in with a new system, new drills and new terminology. We have progressed faster than I was anticipating but we all know we still have to make a strong final push to get ready for Nov. 15th.
MM: Could you beat any players on the team? Maybe the team manager?
Coach: I’ll let the players answer that. I know I’m getting a little older, but I’ve tried to show them little glimpses. Hopefully they’ve seen enough where they know it’s not going to be easy to get me, but I still think I can take it up a couple levels if I need to. At some point this year, I’ll break out some fun competition things with these guys and I’ll let you know how I hold up.
MM: You are taking over for Coach Sheinman who was a well liked and well respected coach during his time here. Were you aware of the big shoes to fill?
Coach: Definitely. I’m good friends with Nick Pelotte and had the chance to watch part of his career at Plymouth State and playing for Coach Scheinman. I am fortunate to be taking over a program that has a rich tradition and great foundation for me to build on. Coach has been great in assisting me with all my other responsibilities outside of coaching while allowing me to begin to put my own stamp on the program.
MM: What is your favorite TV show?
Coach: I’m an ESPN junkie so I’d say Pardon the Interruption with Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon.
MM: What made you choose Plymouth State?
Coach: PSU is a great University and the program has a great tradition. I think the Little East Conference is one of the top leagues in Div. III. You could tell there is a strong support for athletics, beginning with President Steen and running through our Director of Athletics John Clark and Associate Athletic Director Kim Bownes. The student-body support and alumni network create a powerful combination that makes PSU a very special place to be.
MM: So far, who is the clown on the team?
Coach: I’d have to say either Bill Stowell with that big ol’ grin of his or Tom Dowd who I hear is really funny when he’s not necessarily around me. I’ve been starting to get it out of him in smaller meetings and I see what people are talking about.
MM: Whats the last good movie you saw?
Coach: Everyone always jokes with me that I must have grown up in a cave or something. I have an amazing list of movies that I have never seen. You’d be shocked and probably disappointed.
MM: Are you more excited for the first game or the first home game? The fans can get pretty rowdy down in the gym.
Coach: That’s a toss-up. I’ll be excited for all of them but I am sure the first one will have special meaning. It has been great to hear some of the excitement building around campus about the upcoming season. I’ve heard tremendous things about the support for basketball and think we can create a great environment for the fans to come down and watch a fun up-tempo style and hopefully they will give us a great home-court advantage.
MM: Why should all the students come down and support the team on Dec. 4, when you take on UMass Dartmouth?
Coach:It’s our first home contest and first league game of the season so we want to establish a home-court presence. Even more importantly, we are honoring the memory of Matt Budrow and will be raising money for the scholarship fund in his name. Nick Pelotte and Scott Nalette have been working tirelessly in putting this event together and think the combination of factors will make it a truly special day.