M. BASKETBALL: QUESTIONS, COACHES, AND, COVID - COACH WEBSTER

COACHES & COVID is a series of questions answered by the Fullerton College coaching staff addressing the Hornet sports programs, and how they are coping during this pandemic. 

Last season, FC Head Coach Perry Webster led his Hornets to the second round of the playoffs and another 20-plus win season. Currently, he is teaching at Fullerton College and working with the men's basketball team on a daily basis... all online.

What methods are you using to stay in touch with your student-athletes?

We are using Zoom as well as weekly phone conversations and text messaging. It is so hard right now since we haven't seen each other since March, guys have very different schedules right now due to their classes and work schedules, and we also have guys living all over the place. It hasn't been easy for us, but we are doing the best we can.

Not being able to meet in person with your players because of COVID can't be an easy task. What are some of the training methods that you're using to keep them in shape while inserting your game plan?

We send our guys daily workouts, and some of them have also started to get together on their own to get workouts. Most of our guys have personal workout guys and they are having to utilize those resources to make it work. Gym availability has been an issue.

Are there specific actions or protocol that you go through to keep everyone safe?

We are not seeing each other, so no protocol. We are imploring our guys to be as safe as possible.

You had another successful campaign last season leading your team to the playoffs with 20-plus wins for the fifth straight time. How many of returners do you plan on having back? Do you have a few new faces ready to go for this season?

We have 5 returners from last year's team, but for the most part, we have a brand-new team. This virus has made it very hard for us to all get acclimated. We return Ronnie Stapp an All-Orange Empire Conference player, as well as two guys that played a lot of minutes in Ryen Perry and Devin Howlin. Luka Gelb and Daniel O'Neal return as well, and I expect all 5 guys to have a big year for us.

Are there any specific players that you feel will greatly impact the season? 

Tristan Williams was an All-Orange Empire Conference player last year at Saddleback. Ryan Blackmon, a transfer from Sacramento State. Coree Joseph, a transfer from Hope University. Javon Jones, a transfer from St Martins University.

Since there will be no state tourney this spring, what are goals are you setting for your team for the season?

We haven't gotten to that point yet. We are just trying to take it day by day. Once we get more clarity on the way things look, we'll move forward accordingly.

If you could have a weekend pass from COVID what would you do? What do you miss the most from this isolation?

I would like to see my team. I am somebody who likes being around my guys and impacting their lives and having them impact my life. I miss them and I miss being in the Hornets Nest.

Any hobbies?

Lots of time spent with our kids right now. Lots of pool and beach time. Lots of film when the kids nap. And watching as much basketball, baseball, and football on T.V. as I can right now.

What inspires you in life? What motivates you to motivate others?

Lots of things motivate me and motivate me for a lot of different reasons. My biggest motivation is being a good husband and father. I have great mentors in my life with my father, brothers, and father in law. We all place a high emphasis on being good husbands and fathers. From a basketball perspective, the biggest motivating factor is helping young men reach their dreams, but also to make their experience here as positive as it can be. We stress to our players to enjoy their moment here, sometimes Junior College players think too much about the next spot. We like for them to value this moment in time.

We have a saying "Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet", what is it you love about Fullerton College?

One thing I love about Fullerton is my coworkers. There are great people and great coaches within our department that do things the right way every day. They support each other, they support my program, and I am just thankful to be working side by side with them every day.