Reminisces – Bob Chastain, ‘62

Coach taught me that hard work, discipline, sacrifice and being a good person were more important than being a good basketball player. He was such a great role model for all of us who played for him. He also expected all of us to perform at a high level in the classroom.

I remember all of those summer days in the late ’50s and early ’60s when I would go up to his place and meet Coach on his outdoor basketball court for individual drills and skill work. Coach would spend two hours a day with me all summer long teaching me the fundamentals of playing the post position. He expected me to shoot 100’s of hook shots when I was there. I always finished up the workout with 100 free throws. He would pass and rebound the ball for me and give constant instructions. When we were done with the workout, Mrs. LeBaron would serve me a cold drink and some homemade pie. That was one of the best times of my life. He sacrificed his own time for my success and welfare.

Coach always listened and supported me as a student-athlete and an individual. I grew up in a troubled family, and he always was a compassionate listener. He was a great coach but, more importantly, a great man.

It is interesting what we remember about great coaches. I don’t remember much about all the individual basketball skills and team skills he taught, the games we won and lost, the Trico championships, the district championships and the trips to the state tournament. What I remember most are the values he taught. I have carried those values into my own personal life as a teacher, coach and citizen. Those values are what a man stands for in life.

Behind every great man is a great woman. Mrs. LeBaron is a great lady, and she was also a very positive influence on my life.

I can never remember a time when Coach LeBaron tried to coach me by “fear” as many coaches do nowdays. He always kept his composure and coached like John Wooden did all those years. I tried to carry those values into my coaching career. The real teachers don’t teach through fear. Players respond to firm instructions from someone who cares about them. That was Coach LeBaron. We knew how much he cared about us.

This is a sad time for the Rocket Nation. Coach LeBaron was the best basketball coach that Castle Rock has ever had. I had a chance to coach in CR myself but, to tell you the truth, I never wanted to try to live up to his legacy.

All of us will miss this great man who influenced our lives in such a positive way.