One win, 60 losses.But Fuiten, the new Lady
Railer head coach, didn't concern himself with the record when he
enthusiastically pursued the head coaching position.
Instead, Fuiten was driven by two things: his passion for the
Lady Railer program, and, what he sees as an opportunity to build
his beloved program from scratch.
"I started coaching these kids when they were in eighth grade,"
said Fuiten of why he so badly wanted the head coaching position. "I
was their freshman and junior varsity coach.
"I want to see the program grow and succeed, and I really believe
I can do the job. We're going to start that from ground zero. I've
always wanted to be a head coach. I believe I can do it."
Fuiten is aware of the obstacles he faces in turning the program
around, both on and off the court.
One of the first priorities for his coaching staff -- which also
includes Derek Rucker and Steve Shanle -- is to increase the number
of girls playing basketball at LCHS.
"We've got to get kids interested in basketball," said Fuiten.
"One of the things we have to do is get the community involved, like
it was at one time. We need to get support from the students and
from the community."
The previous two seasons are an unfortunate chapter in Lady
Railer basketball history, but that chapter is over, according to
Fuiten.
