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Former Owl Williams A Role Model at Wolcott Tech

KEENE, 2/3/11 - Rene Williams ‘78 knew he was in for a challenge this year. Entering his eighth season as the boys’ basketball coach at Wolcott Tech in Torrington, Conn., the former Owl is trying to resurrect a Wildcat program after graduating his entire starting five. “This is going to be a rebuilding year,” said Williams, whose team has yet to win any of its 10 games this season. “They’ve been working hard and want to establish their own identity.”

It will be hard for Williams to forget last year. Under his direction, the Wildcats had a dream season, posting a 13-9 record and earning a berth to the state tournament for the first time in 16 years. “It’s always a lot nicer to win than lose,” said Williams. “The kids did the work; I just went along for the ride.”

Williams’s ride to the head coaching position at Wolcott Tech was an uphill battle. But he would have it no other way. To his way of thinking, “you learn more from a loss than a win.”

Originally from Torrington, Williams was recruited to Keene State by former Owl coach Glenn Theulen. “It was close enough to be far away,” said Williams of his decision to come to KSC. Unfortunately, Williams’ basketball career at Keene State never got off the ground. He injured his knee as a freshman and was never able to get back on the court. “That was very tough,” Williams admitted. “I had been playing basketball since I was a kid.”

Williams, who earned his degree in physical education from Keene State in 1978, went from the court to the kitchen, spending 16 years working as a cook at a restaurant. In between courses, he would referee and serve as the freshman and later junior varsity basketball and baseball coach at Wolcott. When the varsity coached transferred to another school, Williams jumped at the chance to take over as head coach. “What else would I be doing,” said Williams with a smile. “I can’t sing or dance.”

Williams, who also works as a physical education and health teacher at the school, was the perfect match for Wolcott, blending his disciplinarian, yet caring approach with a sense of humor. “He’d break up the tenseness of practice with a joke, but also knows when it’s time to get serious and down to business,” said Ray Tanguay, the athletic director at Wolcott.

At times, the players became the pranksters. After capturing their tournament berth last year, the Wildcat players, with Gatorade bucket in hand, chased Williams around the gym hoping to give him a ceremonial shower. “I was yelling no, no, not on the floor, but they were pulling the old Harlem Globetrotters routine,” said Williams. “When they tipped over the bucket, confetti came out.”

On the court, Williams stresses defense. “I learned a long time ago if the other team doesn’t score, you don’t lose,” said Williams, who still incorporates conditioning drills he learned from Coach Theulen at KSC. Off the court, Williams is a guiding hand to his players and students who are seeking direction in their lives. If you were looking to build a basketball dynasty, Walcott wouldn’t be the place for you. Students divide the year between academic and shop programs. When they reach junior and senior status, they get to join the school’s work-based learning program and get real-world experience in a variety of industries.

A regional school, Wolcott draws from 27 surrounding towns, making extra- curricular and sports activities difficult. “Some kids have jobs to help support their families and others can’t get to and from practice, so we lose a lot of kids,” said Williams. “We’re limited, but we do what we can.”

Because the tech schools are well dispersed around the state, Wolcott decided to play in the closer Berkshire League. What they lose in travel, they make up with playing a highly competitive schedule. “In our league, you better be ready to play every time you step on the court,” said Williams.

A role model for his players, Williams, 56, completed his secondary classes for his master’s degree from Central Conn. State University last year. He says the most rewarding part of his job is seeing his playing come back with success stories.

“I tell them early on that there are many ways to measure success beyond wins and losses,” he said. “When they walk out of the gym, I want them to understand how teamwork, discipline, and being a good person will help them in their lives.”

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