Head Coach Zeb Burleson has been at the helm of the girls Canyon Varsity Basketball team for over half a decade. In this time, he has certainly earned his prestigious reputation, reaching over 100 wins in that time. I interviewed him on the ongoing operations of his roster and what he expected going further into the conclusion of this season.
With his past successes, I was interested in how the dynamics of previous seasons may come into influence now in the present. When I asked for any knowledge that he learned in his previous tenures that will now come to be applied, he discussed the “tenacity in which our players compete.”
Themes of tenacity and dedication were brought up often when I asked Coach Burleson about the qualities of his team. Specifically, when asked about how he ensured that all of his athletes would perform to the best extent of their abilities, Coach Burleson noted that full effort and participation was the “minimum he expected.” Burleson also stated that a great work ethic and utmost effort were the most impactful attributes when making what he considered to be a good player.
The real work does not only start on gameday, however. Practices are just as important in the eyes of Coach Burleson. The exertion that the team’s athletes put into games is the same exertion that is expected when running drills, exercises and scrimmages; slacking off is not an option given the level of talent that is packed on this roster.
The ferocity in his approach shows the intensity to which the players and staff on the team exhibit, and this is evident through the two recent victories the team picked up late this season against Clemens and Johnson.
The dedication of every one of the athletes on our girls basketball team is commendable, and they demonstrate our school’s spirit with every appearance they make. And under the eye of Coach Burleson, that spirit is unlikely to ever fade.
