As a senior on the 2006 varsity boys’ basketball team, Daniel Dixon may not have known that, after hours of practice that led his team to the state finals, he would return to the basketball program as a coach for the 2011-2012 season.
Dixon, along with former teammate Qaiser Ahmed came back this year to coach, taking over the assistant freshman and assistant JV coaching positions, respectively.
Having on-the-court experience at the school, Dixon said, gives you “an understanding of who Marshall is.”
Ahmed also noted the benefits of coaching after experiencing the player’s role.
“Having played here, I know that we are capable of winning here,” he said. “It just gives me extra motivation to help these kids reach their full potential.”
Dixon said the parents, students and staff have welcomed him back.
“They made me feel like I never really left,” he added.
Both Ahmed and Dixon praised their experience returning to the school.
“I’m excited to see how they do as coaches,” director of Student Activities Joe Swarm said. “I have no doubt they’ll do great.”
Ahmed and Dixon are coaching alongside boys’ varsity assistant coach Jerry Lin, another former player who coached Dixon and Ahmed while they were at Marshall.
Lin has “been in our position before so he knows what it’s like,” junior Grant Leibow said.
JV and freshman players who work with Ahmed and Dixon respectively echoed the idea that the student athletes-turned-coaches understand what the players are going through.
According to sophomore Wade Fritzen, Ahmed’s coaching style is marked by his playing experience.
“[Ahmed] definitely has a lot of insight into what’s going to happen [because he was a player] and he gives us tips every practice,” Fritzen said.
Freshman Jeff Carlson also said that past experience at Marshall aids Dixon, his assistant coach.
“He’s experienced what we have, too,” he said.
English teacher Marilyn Bart, who taught Dixon during his high school career, said he was a hard worker in the classroom.
“He was persistent” as a student, she said.
According to Bart, participating in basketball helped Dixon demonstrate model behaviors.
“Basketball gave him focus,” Bart said.
All three of the former players, according to Swarm, were very good basketball players.
“I’ve seen them play,” he said, “and now [I can] see them in the coaches’ seats.”
In addition to their on-court abilities, Swarm commented on the players’ personal strengths.
“Character is the number-one priority” with Marshall sports, Swarm said, “and these guys represent us very well.”