THE FRONT ROW with MARK NELKE: Don Eberlin a trusty right-hand man at St. Maries
At one point in the first half of the season, the St. Maries High boys basketball team was giving up 55 points a game.
Then Don Eberlin, a longtime volunteer coach in the program, spoke up.
“He started chewing my butt and the kids’ butt and we have all really bought back in to grinding out games and winning with defense,” recalled Bryan Chase, in his sixth season as Lumberjacks head coach. “We really started breaking down film on our own players and making adjustments to other teams better. I’m a little more of a fast break/uptempo coach and coach ‘Eb’ is our defensive guru. Coach Eberlin, along with new assistant coach and former player AJ Becktel, have been a nice complement to the program.”
St. Maries (17-5), last year’s state 2A runner-up, opens state today vs. New Plymouth (14-9) at 2 p.m. PST at Capital High in Boise.
IF THE name Eberlin sounds familiar, his three sons are all former St. Maries High athletes. Ryne Eberlin is the principal at Timberlake High. DJ is a science teacher in the Boise School District, and Pat is in real estate in Coeur d’Alene.
Don Eberlin has volunteered off and on with St. Maries athletics for more than 40 years — in football and baseball, as well as basketball.
“The guy puts his heart and soul into all we do,” Chase said. “He’s a big reason why our defense is as good as it is. He’s been with me from the beginning and our defensive approach has gotten us to the semifinals for five years in a row — hopefully six.
“He’s on me every day about getting defensive drills in. If someone isn’t in helpside or gives up the baseline, I’m the first one to get my (butt) chewed,” Chase said with a laugh.
When Chase was named head coach, he said Eberlin was the first person he thought of to help him. The Lumberjacks have been to state every year under Chase, including five straight trips to the state 2A semifinals.
“Don Eberlin has meant so much to the program,” Chase said. “Not very often do you find a true friend that is loyal to the kids, staff, and program. He has been with us from the beginning and volunteers many hours watching film, coaching practices, attending team dinners, participating in summer activities, and much more. I am beyond thankful and appreciative for all he has done.”
IN THE wake of the recent coronavirus outbreak, the Idaho High School Activities Association announced Tuesday it is continuing with plans — with precautions — to host the state boys basketball tournaments at six sites in the Boise area, beginning today.
The IHSAA said has been in communication with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Idaho Department of Education.
“The IHSAA emphasizes that participants, staff and spectators should stay away if they are sick,” the IHSAA said in a news release. “If they have a fever or cough then don’t attend the event.
“The IHSAA has been working with tournament site staff to prioritize that all frequently touched surfaces throughout the venue be properly cleaned prior to, and during the event; provide easily accessible soap and water or hand sanitizers stations; (and) promote appropriate respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene practices.”
Mark Nelke is sports editor of The Press. He can be reached at 664-8176, Ext. 2019, or via email at mnelke@cdapress.com. Follow him on Twitter@CdAPressSports.