COACH PAUL REEVES

 
   On Jul 19, 2013, at 11:12 AM, Max Johnson  <chenowth6@aol.com> wrote:

Gevan - ........I hope the eulogy input attached will be valuable to you as we bid Paul farewell.  As I said, he was one of the true good guys, and I am a better person because of Coach Reeves.  God bless all of you.  Max                                                               

                                Paul Reeves

Paul Reeves was a man who in the process of living many lives touched the lives of countless young men on the basketball courts of various DoD schools in Europe during the 1960’s.  I cannot speak for the other schools but I can tell you that his teams in Wiesbaden, Germany from 1960 - 1963 achieved great success, culminating in winning the European championship in March 1963.  In fact, even though he had moved on to his next assignment, “his” team repeated this accomplishment in 1964.

How was he so successful – how did he do it?  First, he taught us basic basketball.

No shake and bake, run and gun playground stuff.  We worked endless hours on defense, on full court press, on passing, rebounding, moving without the ball.  He made us believe that if we mastered these skills, we could take on teams - that on paper looked stronger than his Wiesbaden Warriors – and win. 

Perhaps even more important was that he built character in all of us. He taught us that there is no “I” in Team. I have had the good fortune to stay in contact with many of my teammates – Johnny O’Connor, Jim Maloney, Greg Bailey, Gary Schilling to name a few - and I can tell you that we all feel the same way about Coach Reeves.   He was our mentor, our John Wooden.  I don’t know how many times I have watched the movie “Hoosiers,” but I always conjure up Paul.  And during my own coaching exploits 25 years ago, I ran my teams the same way Paul ran his.

Fifty years later, and I can still recall and visualize as if it were yesterday.  Paul was truly one of the good guys, and we will all miss him.  My heart and prayers are with Ruth, Trish and Gevan.

 *****************************************************

On Jul 19, 2013, at 11:34:50 CDT, Gevan Reeves <Gevan.Reeves@calpine.com wrote:

Thanks Max. We appreciate the well wishes and memories. I will be in touch. 

Gevan

******************************************************

On Jul 19, 2013, at 3:08 PM, "Jim Maloney" <jim@maloney.com> wrote:

Gevan,

Max copied me on his email. 

I'm another, one of very many I presume, who had the privilege of Coach Reeves' tutelage. I played for Coach Reeves on his championship Wiesbaden High team in 1963 and again against him in 1964 when my Wiesbaden team traveled to play his London Central team in 1964. He was a true gentleman and demanding coach who made us all better men. 

My best to you and your family.

Jim Maloney

***********
On Fri, Jul 19, 2013 at 3:42 PM, Gevan Reeves <Gevan.Reeves@calpine.com> wrote:

Thanks Jim, I've heard your name mentioned several times as well. My mom fondly remembers you all playing.  Attached is the photo (above left)--- we are using
for the program. While not basketball, we hope it captures The essence of Paul's coaching days. 

******************************************************************************************************

On Jul 19, 2013, at 3:50 PM, "Jim Maloney" <jim@maloney.com> wrote:

Your picture brings back a lot of memories..... as does this one for the WHS'63 yearbook... (above right)  ......                JimM 
***********************************

 From John OConnor <motorrad4@yahoo.com>

Date: Mon, Jul 22, 2013

         Thanks Max, Jim, and Gevan for sharing these memories of Coach Reeves.  His coaching ability was unquestionably of the highest caliber-but I would like to share with you all an anecdote that reveals another aspect of the man's character that has lit the way for me during shadowy times throughout my life After we beat Munich for the Championship in '64, they announced the all tournament team while we were  still on court celebrating.  I was trying not to hope too much for individual recognition, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't think I deserved a spot.  When 3 of my teammates were chosen, but not me, I sat on the bench wondering what else I could have done to get the nod-after all, didn't my 3 straight buckets in the semi-final vs, Frankfurt break their back and launch us into the finals? Hadn't the "Stars and Stripes" even said so?  While struggling through a wild flood of emotional reaction trying not to spell Team with an I and mostly failing and feeling guilty about it, I felt a firm hand grip my right shoulder-gentle but insistent.  I turned and looked up directly into the unwavering and unforgettable gaze of Coach Reeves.  He had made his way down from the stands immediately.  "John, you got screwed," he said as he shook my hand.         That unexpected empathy, delivered right on time with eloquent simplicity, taught me volumes about life.  I have gone to it many when I'm tempted to hold a pity party for myself.  You never know who is watching.  Paul Reeves was a great man, a great coach, and, truly, a great friend.  Making his team was reward enough for me.          I apologize for being late with this message-I've been riding motorcycle sweep for a Cystic Fibrosisbicycle fundraiser on the coast of Maine since Friday, and only just got to check my email.  I know it's a tough time for the Reeves family.  Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.  And my memories.     John O'Connor

*************************************************************

From: Gevan Reeves <Gevan.Reeves@calpine.com>

Date: Tue, Jul 23, 2013 at 4:35 PM

Subject: RE: PaulJohn, Max, Jim and Danny,

          Thank you all again for reaching out this past week.  I was able to share your stories during the eulogy and everyone commented how the stories helped make my dad and his life ‘come alive.’ Much of the audience of family and friends didn’t really know of Paul’s accomplishments during his overseas days, and they gained a newfound appreciation for him.

          We had about 250 folks show for the visitation, and a smaller private funeral – and we thank you for helping make it special.  I only wish I had reached out to you sooner so I could have shared with my Dad – I know his time with your team always meant a lot to him.

          Sincerely,

Gevan, Ruth, and Tricia