Uniontown coach shows soft side, pride in players
Known for his commanding presence and vociferous coaching style, Dave Shuck showed he has a soft side Wednesday. To standing ovations at a school assembly Wednesday, the Uniontown Area High School basketball coach expressed his pride in his team, showing a clear connection with his players and the Red Raiders’ many fans.
Shuck, who said he wasn’t one for giving speeches, left nothing or no one out during his heartwarming comments.
“We’ve had a lot of success this year. We came up a little short in our minds, but we have a lot to be proud of. I will always look back and see I did not accomplish what I set out to do, but I have to be proud. How many teams get to go to the state playoffs?”
Uniontown finished second in the PIAA Class AAAA, losing the championship game to Harrisburg 69-62. The Red Raiders, who won the WPIAL Class AAAA title by beating New Castle, finished the season with a 30-2 record.
Overall, the Red Raider seniors made the WPIAL playoffs four times, winning one crown and finishing second last year and third in 2000. They made the PIAA playoffs three times, finishing second twice and making the final eight last year. They finished with a 91-16 record during their careers.
In honor of the team’s accomplishments, the high school band and cheerleaders readied the large crowd for a celebration as they welcomed the team to the auditorium stage with music, dancing and cheering. Students, faculty and staff, most dressed in the school colors, clapped, hooted and hollered in support.
Sharing the stage with five shining trophies his team earned this season, including the large PIAA runner-up and WPIAL championship trophies, Shuck introduced and shared his thoughts on every player on the junior varsity and varsity teams.
The closeness of the team was obvious as the players nudged one another, rubbed each other’s heads and hugged when different comments were made.
He told the crowd how he has a “soft spot in his heart” for Dierre Jenkins, even though they “fight like cats and dogs,” how Terrance Vaughns “has won many a basketball game for Uniontown,” and how David Winfrey “never got as much publicity as the others but did a great job running the team.”
“All these guys have my respect. It’s not about the points you score. You see (Jenkins and Vaughns) and know what they do, but what about the people on the bench? They have as much to do with our success as the boys on that floor,” he said. “They make these boys (starters) better ball players.”
He thanked the fans, the cheerleaders, the band, the teachers, the administration, the school board and parents for their support.
“There are so many people that had so much to do with what you see on this stage. Everyone had something to with this success. You won’t believe how it feels to look up in the stands and see you have more fans than anyone else,” he said.
To the players, he said, “I hope I gave you something more than just basketball. I hope I gave you more than that. I hope to see you go to school and be successful in all you do.”
The players also expressed their gratitude.
“Everyone has been following us for the past four years and we’re grateful for that,” Vaughns said.
“I’d just like to say I love all you,” Winfrey added.
Joining Shuck and the players on stage were Superintendent Dr. Darrell Uphold, principal Pete Bozick, school board members Harry Kaufman and Charles Castor and assistant coaches Richard Bierbower and Rob Kezmarsky.
Recognizing that the team may feel they fell short of their main goal this year, Uphold said that as he thought about what he would say to the team, he thought of consoling words, but then he realized that it wasn’t words of consolation that were in order but words of congratulations.
“You don’t have to wear a gold medal around your neck to be a champion,” Uphold said. “You truly are champions, and we are proud of you.”
Everyone agreed as they gave kudos to the team for their determination and dedication this year and in years past.
“Now everyone knows that basketball is a Uniontown tradition. This 2002 team will be remembered in Raiderland always. This is the greatest team on Earth,” Castor said.
Bozick told the entire student body that the recognition the team has brought to the high school and the city is something from which everyone benefits.
“This team has brought pride and recognition to Uniontown, and you will be able to build on that just as they will be able to,” he said.
Those who gave remarks also wished the seniors well and encouraged them to use what they learned for success in the future.
“It’s only the beginning for great things to come, and we’ll be there to cheer you on,” Kaufman said.
“It’s been great in all respects. Everyone coming together as one is something special, and I was lucky enough to be a part of it,” Bierbower said.
Then, looking at the team, Bierbower said, “In five years, I don’t want to see you on the street corner. I want you to own the street corner.”
The girls basketball team also was recognized for their accomplishments this season. The Lady Red Raiders finished second in their section, making the WPIAL playoffs for the first time since 1981.