It's interesting to see how people view basketball. Some look at it as entertainment, others as recreation, and then you have a unique few who have used it as a vehicle to touch and impact lives. You couldn't walk into East games without noticing or hearing Coach White.

He was always a prominent figure whether he was in the stands watching the C-Team and JV games with his legs crossed and arms spread wide or on the court where you heard and saw him get the most out of his players with his loud and authoritative demeanor. At times people didn't understand Coach's style, but as a player who was fortunate to get 2 years under him, I quickly realized how his style was beneficial not only on the court but for life in general.

Some people saw yelling, we felt caring. Some people saw running up the score, we felt competitiveness. We traveled to the lower 48 to play against some of the best teams and players in the nation and whenever we played, no matter who it was, our East teams never lacked the confidence that we were better and that came from the confidence Coach had in his game plan and in us. He spewed confidence in us. He made us walk into gyms with a chip on our shoulder and every time we stepped on the court we felt like we should win. These are lessons and mentalities that stuck with us even off the court. Be passionate with what you do. Have discipline, take ownership, and win or lose, give it your all.

He had a special gift to get the most out of his players. To get you to work hard for not only yourself, but for your teammate next to you. It was a beautiful tradition he created. He gave us an outlet and opened so many doors for kids to live their dreams. His basketball legacy is a prime example of a ripple effect that has touched so many individuals and families. As the oldest of my brothers who all have played at East, (Derek Laws; graduate 2004, Jarred Laws graduate 2013), we take great pride in being a part of the T-Bird Family. No words, applauses, or trophies will be enough for the legacy that Coach White has created.

"You should be worried the day I stop yelling at you, because that's when I don't believe in you..." - Coach White