Bill’s Player “Lu”
From 6-30-14
Today's story is about one of our sons, Coach Bill Bradley's players @ Thunder Ridge H.S., whom we watched in the state finals one snowy night in Boulder, Colo. Bill is no stranger to success with over 400 girls varsity basketball wins. He started the girls' fast pitch softball @ Loganville (Ga.) H.S. & quickly had a state runner-up team & state championship team.
Abby Waner (3rd to right behind Bill) was the star of the Grizzlies, as she was the two-time Colo. HS Player of the Year. She was the 2nd all-time leading scorer in state history & was the National Player of the Year for McDonald's and Gatorade. She went on to a stellar 4-year career at Duke University. This story came to fruition in an article, in the Denver Post, written by Mark Kiszla, about Lu Wilson (seated behind Bill). My memories began to work overtime as I remembered some "Lu's" in my coaching career--Henry Bowen, Grady Campbell, Steve Smith @NCHS; Sandra Kitchen, Brad Snipes, John Howard @ GWA; & Rachel Black @ Trinity. After winning a 3rd straight state championship, the Grizzlies' fans went crazy! But, know what was really wild? the loudest cheers from the crowd were reserved for a senior who did not score a single point in the final game--"Lu", the Grizzlies' fans crooned in unison! "My nickname is Lu, which my brother started calling me a long time ago", explained Laura Wilson, laughing. "They're all trying to shout 'Lu', but it comes out 'Boo'--& it's the best! I love it!" "She is the hustling, smiling, winning example of everything that prep sports should be. Her story is a tribute to every one of the thousands of Colorado HS students who play with all their hearts all year long, whether the instrument of their passion is a basketball or a clarinet, whether the goal is to nail a dance routine or drop a perfect squeeze bunt in the bottom of the 7th. What Wilson did as a ThunderRidge starter was a gift generous far beyond her years. If statistics were kept for setting picks, she would have shattered the single season state record. Her hands are always up on defense, and her feet never stop shuffling. Her game is the constant whir of a cog whose absence would cause the entire machine to sputter." "It's my job, so I will take it" Wilson said. Lu is every kid who puts in hours of practice between algebra tests and never expects to see her face on television, or needs to read about it in the newspaper." "There are so many young kids who have to go read their press clippings after every games," Bradley said. "All Lu Wilson needs to know is that she did her job to make her smile. And, without that, you can't win." Actions speak louder. Everything every kids needs to know about being a winner can be learned by watching Wilson pass & cut. The one enduring truth in the Thunder Ridge dynasty is the story of a girl named Lu. Celebrity fades, Wilson won't. If there was only one story to tell all year, Lu would be it." "One of these days I am going to be a high school math teacher," said Wilson, one of seven children in her family. "I like kids." The stars of the game are as obvious as the box scores. Wilson first shot a basketball in the 1st grade. In all those years of practice, how many jumpers did she rehearse?" "A million at least," Wilson said. In the final game of her prep career Lu attempted one shot,---it missed. Sometimes, you have to read beyond the box score's fine print to discover a role model worth remembering."
