Published: February 23, 2008 02:36 am            

PEOPLE PROFILE: Newfane coach likes to see students succeed

NEWFANE — MENTOR: Eric Klumpp, Newfane’s junior varsity basketball coach, said what he likes best about coaching and teaching is watching his students develop as people. The JV basketball team has had an exciting year, capturing its third consecutive championship and watching Jeremy Linhart play on Senior Night.

This was quite a year for the Newfane junior varsity basketball team.

The team won a third consecutive Niagara Orleans league title, but that may not even be the highlight of the year. Jeremy Linhart, a legally blind, mentally handicapped Newfane senior student, played and scored five points in a game against Royalton-Hartland on Feb. 14. Seeing Newfane students succeed, such as Jeremy and the basketball team have, is something that motivates JV coach Eric Klumpp.

“What I love about coaching is that you get to know the kids and the parents a little, but more than having them in class,” Klumpp said. “To see them develop as a person, in the hallways, as a student and to see them accomplish what they have been practicing for.”

Klumpp, an Appleton native, graduated from Newfane in 1998. He played football, basketball and baseball at the school all four years he attended. He said being able to play with his older brother, Kevin, for four years was a great experience while at Newfane.

He went to Cortland State to study physical education and health, graduating in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree. Klumpp played football, intermurals and played on various club teams during his time at Cortland. Shortly after graduation from Cortland, Klumpp had a chance to become Newfane’s JV coach.

“I had two placements in Williamsville for student teaching,” Klumpp said. “Just as I was leaving, Jim Conley (former Newfane athletic director) said ‘we’re having a very difficult time filling this boys basketball position.’ He knew it was something I always wanted to do.

“He was a big influence on me growing up. I figured it’s a way to get my foot in the door,” Klumpp said. “So I said I’d try it out when I get back. He said it’s yours if you want it, and I gladly accepted it.”

Klumpp started with the Newfane athletic program as the JV coach in 2002 and began substitute teaching within the district. He was hired six years ago by the district as a health and physical education teacher. He enjoys teaching, both in the classroom and on the court. Either way, he likes reaching out to students.

“They come in ready to learn and willing to practice each and every day,” Klumpp said. “The kids are what really drive me.”

When his brother Ryan Linhart played JV basketball, Jeremy Linhart was made assistant coach by Klumpp. According to Klumpp and Jeremy’s parents, Jeremy “is a sports nut.” He watches basketball games on television and will coach the teams he watches. Klumpp said Jeremy always shows up to games in a shirt and tie prepared and ready to go, and the Newfane players love having him around.

So to make “senior night” special, Klumpp wanted to get Jeremy in the game. Klumpp said he was inspired by the story of Jason MacElwain of Rochester, an autistic young man who entered a varsity high school basketball game for Greece-Athena in February 2006 and made six 3-point baskets. “J Mac” scored a game-high 20 points before being carried off the court by players and fans. Jeremy, too, was carried off the court.

“It’s something Jeremy will talk about for the rest of his life,” said Jeremy’s dad, Rob Linhart. He said he’s grateful to Klumpp. “We just thank him, he’s a great guy. He always looks out for the kids.”

Klumpp said Jeremy may make it into one of his future halftime speeches, but right now, the focus is a banner with an image of Jeremy being carried off the court with his arms raised above his head. Watching his students continue on successfully is something Klumpp enjoys.

“It’s even better watching them perform and move on,” Klumpp said.

Contact reporter Joe Olenick

at 439-9222, ext. 6241.

        

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