The Icon invited Bluffton High School winter varsity coaches to participate in our "15 minutes" series. Here's our chat with Todd Boblitt, boys' varsity basketball coach.
Your coaching position:
Bluffton High School varsity basketball coach
In addition to coaching, what do you teach, or what is your job:
I am a mathematics and technology teacher at Bluffton Exempted Village Schools. I instruct courses in Statistics, Robotics, and Computer Technology (Web Design, Game Design, Video Production, Digital Manipulation).
What sports did you play in high school and college?
I played basketball and soccer at Springfield Northeastern and went on to play basketball at Bluffton College.
How many hours a week might you average in your coaching duties during the season?
It may be easier to answer this with a more general mid-season schedule:
• On game nights: 4.5 hours for home games, 6 hours for away games - in either event add an additional two hours afterwards for film breakdown and statistical analysis of game.
• On non-game days: 2-2.5 hours for practice, an hour for practice planning and 2-3 hours on scout video. Then there are scout nights...
As you work with youth, what do you do to teach a concept of teamwork? We want our youth to develop a passion and love for the game. We want our youth to learn the skills and rules of the game while fostering an attitude of individual growth for collective (team) success.
What have your players taught you about teamwork?
Our players continually teach me to not take myself too seriously. They play for the love of the game and on really good teams for one another. They have taught me that doing things together (even if wrong) is better than doing them apart.
Where do you sit on the bus for away games?
I, along with our staff, sit directly between the players and cheerleaders.
What school has the best popcorn (other than Bluffton)?
Honestly, I have not eaten popcorn at a basketball game in years – possibly decades. Which, I might add, is truly regrettable, but correctable.
What’s your favorite all-time movie?
I base my movie watching on indie critical reviews (good or bad)... this indicates my affection towards the arts and viewing horribly bad movies.
I am no longer allowed to select movies for viewing in my own house. I am a disgrace in this regard. However, the correct answer to your question is most likely "Hoosiers."
I must add, "One Shining Moment," is my all-time favorite ending to the greatest annual show - NCAA basketball tournament. There is nary a dry eye in the room after this one (which I watch alone) and text my mom with gratitude that she fueled this passion for the sport in me.
What was the worst grade you received in high school? (test, quiz or grade card)
My parents and immediate family live out of town and in far away lands. Therefore, I remember nothing less than S+, A's and comments affirming a greatness in academia.
Do you have any major sports injuries from your playing days?
I recall spraining my ankle for the first time and thinking I had been shot and may bleed out. Beyond my own imagination and self conspiracy toward bodily harm, I broke my nose a couple times in college pursuing the basketball, but finding elbows instead.
Can you name the coach who really inspired you?
I have been fortunate to have mentors that fueled my passion for coaching throughout my life.
A few include my parents, Coach Neal, Coach Jim Rucki and our coaching staff (including my wife Becky).
My parents, Craig and Janet, have and continue to watch and encourage me along this journey.
Coach Neal instilled discipline, team concept and "sticktoitiveness" (A term Coach used and I often wondered was a legitimate term or a fairy tale belief – which I later learned depended on the character of the individuals on the team.)
I had the privilege and unique opportunity to work under Coach Rucki out of college for seven years prior to taking over duties here at Bluffton. Coach Rucki is the best teacher of the game I have ever been around. He taught me how to evaluate individual and team skills and how to develop these skills for both immediate and long term gain. He taught me to accept criticism (good or bad) but not take it personally. Coach Rucki taught me about loyalty, honesty and integrity. He is the finest example of all of these ideals.
I have learned so much from these mentors along with my wife and our staff at Bluffton. Becky and our staff (inclusive through 12 years) is continually emerged in encouragement, evaluation and reflection. We are learning together on a regular basis and most importantly enjoying the process of leading young men in the pursuit of individual improvement for a collective goal.
In all the above (and many many other unnamed), I am truly blessed to continue being a part of a game that I love.
What was your personal best game you ever played in high school or college?
I recall scoring in the correct basket in all games of my career – which I mark as a success and more than most can say. My playing memories involve my teammates – from the hilarious, the triumphant and the despair. These memories continue on with me more than personal glory or shame.
A teammate casting a hook shot from point blank range over the entire basket, a teammate finishing off a state-ranked opponent with a two-hand jam, and teammates playing final games together are among these memories.
It is the sound of a bouncing ball in an empty gym that lives within me and brings me back – these moments are my peace.
How do you switch gears from coaching when the season ends?
I have a really difficult time transitioning from in season to off season. I go through various stages of moping, sadness, frustration and confusion. I just want to play one more game.
