4 B
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2015
Mapleton couple Jesika and Will Crook serve as head coaches of their own Sailors basketball programs as well as assistant coaches for each other.
Love
from 1B
where Will was beginning his
studies for a master’s degree in
education. Jesika, an all-around
athlete, became part of the
track program. Will, coinciden-
tally, was an assistant track
coach in a program where he
had been an All-American.
“So technically, I became her
track coach,” says Will with a
small eyebrow raise.
“It’s true,” admits Jesika.
“and we’ve been together in
some kind of coaching situa-
tion practically ever since.”
And the best part?
“No more long-distance
phone calls,” says Will. “We
can talk basketball all night if
we want and it doesn’t cost a
dime.”
Given that both came from a
small, 1A high school similar to
Mapleton, coaching programs
that have a combined 22 play-
ers between them is a natural
fit.
“I was assistant coach at a
6A school while I was earning
my teaching credential, and it
was crazy,” says Will. “There’s
no time to form any real rela-
tionships in a situation like that.
To me, building relationships is
crucial — not just for having a
successful team, but for being
successful in life.”
Jesika, who graduated with a
bachelor’s degree in public
health education the same year
Will graduated with his mas-
ter’s degree in education, is
especially tuned to the impor-
tance of relationships.
As a specialist in abuse pre-
vention, she understands that
what they do as coaches adds
up to more than wins and loss-
es.
“It’s one of the reasons I
jumped at the chance when this
position opened up,” Jesika
says. “In a school this size, you
have a chance to really get to
know the kids and have an
impact.”
When asked if it’s tough to
switch from head coach to
assistant, both shake their
heads immediately and in sync.
“It’s awesome having an out-
side perspective from someone
whose opinion you respect,”
says Will. “She knows her stuff
and always has great sugges-
tions.”
“We’re not in this for our
egos,” says Jesika, “so that
never gets in the way. I enjoy
sitting back a little when I’m
assisting him, and I like having
his feedback when it’s his turn
to sit back a little.”
Will laughs. “It sure makes
the debriefing easy, that’s for
sure.”
After no basketball season
for the girls last season, the
team now has nine players,
with the potential for a couple
more after the holidays.
The boys, which had seven
players last season, has a solid
13-man roster this year.
“The program essentially
doubled from last season,
which is great to see,” says
Will. “And everyone is work-
ing hard and wants to be suc-
cessful.
“There is a winning attitude
developing.”
Earlier in the week, both
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teams took time to write out
their goals for the season and
beyond.
“Everyone wants to take the
program to the next level,” says
Jesika. “Both teams want to
finish high enough to make the
play-offs and maybe reach
state.”
“And everyone understands
it takes commitment to get
there,” adds Will. “We have a
road map and know it’s a jour-
ney.”
And this time, the Crooks
know however long the dis-
tance, they’ll be traveling it
together.
Do your part and
volunteer today
to help support
these local
non-proft
organizations in
our community!
Volunteer•Get involved•Donate
Habitat for Humanity Restore
Staffed by volunteers, the ReStore accepts donated appliances, household
items and building materials; fi xes them, displays and sells them to raise
funds for Habitat programs. Come and join the fun!
ReStore 541-997-583 • 2016 HWY 101, Florence
Helping Hands Coalition
Assisting those in need in our Community. Free Hot Meals Mon-Wed-Fri
11 AM - 2 PM
PO Box 1296 • 1339 Rhododendron Dr., Florence, OR 97439
Call 541-997-5057 to Volunteer
Meals on Wheels and Cafe 60
Meals on Wheels are available to people over the age of 60 who cannot get
out much due to illness or advanced age and who are not eating properly,
regardless of income. Cafe 60 is available for those who prefer to make new
friends in a dining room setting.
1570 Kingwood
PO Box 2313, Florence
541-997-5673
laneseniormeals.org
Peace Harbor Volunteers
83316 N Pioneer Rd – Pri-
vate, mid-century cottage.
Victorian bead ceilings, wain-
scoting, 4 sets of French
doors, Kirsch blinds, Kohler
tub, and much more on 1.2
acre, with decking, old
growth flooring, and Sonitrol
alarm system. $175,000.
#2479-15396302
1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200
Join the Peace Harbor Hospital Volunteers, you will fi nd an area of interest in
a caring organization.
400 9th Street, Florence
541-997-8412 ext. 209
Real Food Co-op
Open to the public.
Seeking volunteers.
1379 Rhododendron Dr., Florence
541-997-3396
Siuslaw Outreach Services
Recruiting volunteers for front desk reception and help line.
9am-4pm Mon.-Fri.
Please contact our volunteer coordinator 541-997-2816 lori@fl orencesos.org
1576 West 12th Street • P. O. Box 19000, Florence
Us Too Florence
See Jim for your auto sales needs!
www.shoppelocal.biz
2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence
(541) 997-3475 • 1-800-348-3475
Saving men one PSA test at a time. “Someone to talk to...who understands!”
541-997-6626
maribob@oregonfast.net
www.ustoofl orence.org
To include your organization
in this directory,
please call us @ 541-997-3441