MacIsaac ready for next chapter
Brian MacIsaac is ready to flip the record to side two.
The 57-year-old long time basketball coach and teacher at Eden High School is retiring this week after more than three decades on the court and in the classroom.
“It felt like it was a good time to transition,” said MacIsaac, who plans to continue to coach Eden’s senior girls basketball team. “My wife (Suzanne) is retiring this year as well so it’s time to move on to a different road. I don’t know if there is any one specific thing. I had planned quite a few years ago that we would retire together.
“I don’t know what’s going to come up education-wise with the government. It just felt like it was a good time and I think there’s quite a few people who feel the same way.”
MacIssac’s wife is an elementary school teacher in Burlington,
“We love the job — we don’t even look at it as a job — we love the kids but there are a lot of young people who are looking for a job. We’re happy to move on and give someone else an opportunity.”
MacIsaac’s journey to St. Catharines was anything but a straight line.
Born in Germany where his father was stationed in the Canadian military, MacIsaac travelled to Canada as an infant. His family ended up in Petawawa where he spent his youth before moving on to the University of Waterloo.
After obtaining his teaching certificate MacIsaac was on the move again, this time for a year to a tiny community in James Bay, located on the south end of Hudson Bay. He then moved to Ajax for a couple of years where he began coaching before landing at Lakeport Secondary School in 1990.
He credits former Lakers coach Bob Mandzuk with instilling in him his love of basketball.
“Bob Mandzuk really loves basketball and brought me along with my knowledge and the technical aspects of the game,” MacIsaac said.
He also gave props to retired Eden volleyball coach Albino Pereira.
“With Albino, it was in terms of more the relationship aspect of coaching. To be a caring coach who demands a lot from their players who tries to built those character traits.
“I really value high school sports in terms of building character. To go through times that are difficult and challenging and recognizing that preparation leads to success. Sports builds resiliency and sports builds teamwork.”
For the last few seasons, MacIsaac’s coaching has hit home. He’s been able to coach his son, Connor, as well as work with his brother-in-law, John Pilling, and coach his niece (Jenneke Pilling) and nephew (Peter Pilling).
“Coaching my son Connor was fantastic,” MacIsaac smiled. “We had a bunch of kids who lived and breathed basketball. The last couple of years with John and Jenneke has been really rewarding, too.”
MacIsaac plans to be busy in retirement. In addition to keeping his hand in coaching, he is scheduled to do some serious travelling.
“I’m on a quest to visit every MLB ballpark and my wife tags along,” said MacIsaac, an unabashed supporter of the Toronto Blue Jays. “My wife’s family is from Holland and she’s never been there. I was born in Germany and my daughter (Allison) is in Vancouver.”
He also plans to do some volunteering and church work while continuing to referee.
As he packs up a lifetime of memories in his office, MacIsaac insists he is at peace with his decision.
“I don’t have any regrets at all,” he said. “You think about all the success and all the struggles and we’ve had a lot of both.”
He will miss working with the students and staff at Eden.
“Eden is a wonderful school. It’s so good to work here. It’s fun. The staff is so engaged with helping the kids be the best they can be. They are supportive but challenge the students. It’s a wonderful environment.”
He feels his job as a resource teacher gave him an opportunity to get closer to the students than maybe he would have otherwise.
“You’re able to build special relationships with kids who maybe need some to help them along,” he said. “That’s the same as coaching. I don’t really think the kids have changed as much, obviously the technology and so on has changed quite a bit, but I found parental involvement is much more than it used to be.
“The support I get from the parent community at Eden is absolutely wonderful. They are always there to drive the kids and at the games and are very supportive and encouraging. It’s a real community.”
MacIsaac has coached his share of successful teams — his senior girls teams have made two trips to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations playdowns in the last four years — but one of his fondest memories comes from his early days at Lakeport.
“The Lakeport girls were coming off a defeated (winless) season and pulled out a really close victory. I’ll always remember a girl named Brenda who cried and was so happy they won one game.”
He also admires coaches who toil in anonymity.
“I always admire those coaches who don’t maybe get the best players but they are out there bringing them to another level. A lot of times those coaches don’t get a lot of attention or respect but I think those guys are so admirable.”
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
