Page 56 - Spring 2024

A Ball Player’s Tribute to his Coach

By Mark Fitzpatrick ‘71

If ever there was a varsity basketball coach who
deserved a State Championship (The Gold Ball) it was
Coach Spurling. And probably more than one! Most
certainly it was not for the lack of effort or intense
preparation on his part that it did not happen. He did
not set this achievement for himself, but for every team
he coached.
Without question, Coach Spurling had a competitive
nature about him. One famous quote I recall as we
were shooting around at the beginning of practice:
“Gentlemen, I cannot help but notice that when you
make a shot, you look amazed. I was always amazed
whenever I missed a shot!” I also remember that he had
a slight grin on his face after sharing that observation.
Yes, undoubtedly Coach wanted us to win every
contest even if the team we were playing was
extremely talented. He had faith in his coaching skills,
and he planned his pregame strategies to a fault.
Fortunately for me and a rather talented group of
players, we did capture an invitational tournament in
Canada back in 1970. It was in Fredricton, N.B. and we
defeated an exceptionally good team from Toronto.
I will end with a personal memory. Not only was
Mr. Spurling my basketball coach, but as I began my
educational endeavors at UMPI, he allowed me to
shadow him while studying to be a PE teacher myself. Memorial Display at Celebration of Life for Terry Spurling
Although my plans changed as I progressed in my Photo courtesy of Karen Eleiott Donato ‘69
studies, I did end up being a classroom teacher. I
taught Language Arts at the middle school level. I also
did a fair amount of coaching along my career path.
Many of the lessons and coaching skills I used were
enhanced by recalling Mr. Spurling’s true commitment
to the coaching and teaching profession. I am grateful
to have known Mr. Terry Spurling.

Thank you, Mark Fitzpatrick ‘71

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