When I had first found out that former Cassopolis coach Floyd Foston would be the new Dowagiac girls basketball coach I knew he was the right man for the job.

I have known Floyd for many years and was saddened when he stepped down as the Rangers’ girls coach a couple of years ago.

It didn’t come to any surprise for me when I was reading the preseason preview, which will be coming your way soon, that he was eager to get back into coaching because he missed it.

Basketball has been a part of Foston’s life for pretty much since he first learned how to play the game. Having to walk away from something before you are ready to give it up can eat away at a person.

To the good fortune of Dowagiac, a position was open and he decided to take it.

The Chieftain girls basketball program is in need of a serious rebuilding effort.

Since the likes of Holly and Torie Lowe, and Katy Stuppy, helped lead Dowagiac to the best run it has ever had, the drop off has been quick and steady.

To be honest, it has been tough to watch the struggles of the team over the past few seasons. On more than one occasion I have left the gym feeling bad for the players, who despite giving a solid effort, just were overmatched by their opponents.

It only took a few minutes for me to see that Foston has already begun the transformation process.

The team I watched in its season opener Tuesday played hard the entire 32 minutes. Did they make mistakes? Of course they did.

But the mistakes are correctable and I can see this team surprising a few folks before the season ends.

There is some raw young talent there and I know Floyd will get the most out of them.

He will expect this team to play hard, play good defense and be enthusiastic.

If they can do that, this team will find success in the very near future.

 

Scott Novak is sports editor for Leader Publications. He can be reached at scott.novak@leaderpub.com