03/01/2024
25 years is a quarter of a century, and 25 years is a milestone that few, if any, coaches achieve. 1A schools in Utah require teachers, and sometimes community members to fill the role of COACH, but few share the title of COACH, and in the same breath DAD! Coach Jessen has held that title of COACH/DAD for over 25 years, throwing a ball around with each of his young children since they could walk, and coaching high school sports in Bryce Valley, Duchesne, and Piute. Although there were changes between schools, and hundreds of ever-changing players, the one consistency remained, the title of DAD/COACH.
The trips to the early morning gym started with "Big Red" Jesse, then followed with Emily, Brooklyn, Kelby, and now Tavin, and in my opinion "Big Red 2.0", a spitting image of his older brother Jesse. With the game on the line, and with the allusive path to the 1A State Tournament Semifinal game hanging in the balance, Piute's Coach/Dad Eric Jessen, looks on as his son Tavin steps to the free-throw line, game tied, 18 seconds remaining. Tavin, rehearsing his routine, two dribbles, bend knees, follow through, a routine practiced thousands of times during early morning practice sessions with COACH/DAD Eric Jessen. NOW is the moment you draw from those practice sessions, drawing on your confidence, your preparation, and fine-tuned muscle memory. Tavin steps to the line, silencing the cheers and chants emanating from the stands, the electricity nearly palpable, Tavin's heart pounding, his inner thoughts of confidence, and the assuring encouragement of "DAD," sounding from the bench, or as other teammates refer to him - COACH. Tavin steps to the line, drains one, then the other, giving the Piute T-Birds the lead, and an opportunity to advance to the coveted semifinal game! Coach Jessen, DAD first, COACH second, relishing the moment with his SON, fists clenched, celebrates, savoring the moment, as any parent would! A priceless moment, recognizing that on this night, preparation intersected with opportunity, in a moment where Dad, Son, Coach will forever cherish those grueling, early morning practices together. Practices that over time have forged a unique bond of COACH/PLAYER/DAD/SON, all wrapped together on one unforgettable night during the Utah 1A State Basketball Tournament March 1, 2024.
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