Ode to Jerry

Posted by Christie Gardiner on November 13, 2008

‘More than a Coach’ (John W. McDonough)

I was listening to Jerry Sloan’s comments to the press following our win against Philadelphia and I was struck by this single thought. I love Jerry Sloan, he’s a good person.

The press questions to Jerry this week seem to have a consistent theme. How have you Jerry Sloan achieved 1,000 wins with one franchise? Jerry hasn’t said very much. He’s acknowledged the fans and has quickly changed the subject, referring back to this being a “player’s game” not a place for coaching accolades. So Jerry didn’t answer, but I’d like to. How has Jerry Sloan attained over 1,000 wins with the Utah Jazz? Humility, and a love of the game. Here are a few things I’ve loved about Jerry Sloan over the years.

• His devotion to wife Bobbye. Jerry was married for over 40 years to his High School sweetheart. Topped only by her adoration for him, Jerry’s love for Bobbye was inspiring. I still remember the clip that they played on the news after Bobbye’s passing in 2004 from Pancreatic Cancer. The clip was of the two of them- hand in hand.
• Jerry goes to yard sales. He’s a multi-millionaire but Jerry can still be found with the rest of us Saturday morning bargain junkies. I’ve yet to run into him, but I always take a second look hoping that one day he and I might engage in a bidding war for someone’s junk.
• His passion for the game. Jerry’s colorful language has caused many a cameraman to frantically find a new angle when filming the coach. I love watching him on Television and counting how many times I can read the profanity on his lips. It makes me laugh. And I LOVE it when Jerry gets Technical fouls. All of us fans at home stand and cheer, especially when he’s ejected. It means that our coach agrees with us.
• Jerry is consistent. His coaching fundamentals don’t change. He doesn’t care what people say. He treats his successes with the same interest as his losses. He consistently pushes players past their potential and makes them into more than they could ever have been without him.

We’ll watch as Jerry continues to bring in a record number of franchise wins. All the while taking the heat for the losses and giving away the credit for the wins. He’s 66 years old. Sometime in the future our coach will decide that it’s time to say goodbye to Utah and head back to the Illinois farm that is his home. My wish: that we all appreciate what we have while he’s still here. Oh and one more wish. I want Jerry to have a ring.

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2 Comments

crystal on November 13, 2008 said:

Awww, what a sweet post about Jerry. I’ve got to say, you are my favorite blogger here. You have a way of discussing things in a way a woman can appreciate.

I hope you fulfill your dream of kissing Jerry Sloan before he retires to the fogie farm in Illinois.

Nate Phelps on November 15, 2008 said:

Jerry’s patience will pay off one day. I hope to be watching on live TV when it happens.

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