Josh Howland takes next step by being named Fairfield Lions varsity basketball coach
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
Taking the coaching path step by step, new Fairfield Lions boys basketball varsity head coach Josh Howland feels he is now ready to lead the basketball program he once suited up for.
Howland replaces former head coach Everett Snyder, who stepped down from the post following this past season where the Lions were crowned the Division II Southern Hills Athletic Conference champions, sectional champions and played at the Convocation Center in the district semifinals, ending with a 17-7 overall record.
Now with a varsity team that will have many faces moving up from a successful JV team coached by Howland this past season, the Lions will have a new look to their program as they try to build up to eventually become as successful as past teams.
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Though the path taken by Howland began with being the eighth grade coach for two seasons, followed by one year as the freshman coach and the past four years as the junior varsity coach, all of that was described as a necessity for Howland with him stating he learned the art of becoming a coach from current Lynchburg-Clay head coach Matt Carson and Snyder throughout his years at Fairfield.
“The best way to put it is this has been rewarding,” Howland said. “To see kids I’ve coached since they were young go all the way through the program, to help develop them at different levels, has not only helped prepare them, but myself as well.
“Both Matt and Everett have really helped me a lot throughout the years coaching at different levels. When the vacancy came up, I just filled out my resumé and met with the school because at this point in time, I felt I was ready for it.”
Howland knows there will be some vast difference from running the JV team compared to the entire varsity program, but it is something he’s been working for since he was the eighth grade coach.
“I know the No. 1 difference will be time commitment,” Howland said. “I’m responsible for the whole program now, and I want to make sure the entire program can be as successful as it can be. Luckily for me, I’ll be coaching kids I’m familiar with and ones who know what to expect from me.
“We will be a young team. There are three from last year’s team who will be seniors this season, and we’ll be playing a lot of sophomore and juniors, too. One thing about that group is they know how to win. Though they know how to win, since we’ll be so young, a lot will be about mental and physical maturity with them. Right now, we are working out about three days a week and doing our best to improve each day.”
Becoming the head coach at Fairfield for Howland isn’t just another coaching position. This new coaching venture is about him coaching for the school where he once played, wore the uniform and had success on the court, and now he leads the way. That aspect of being the Fairfield varsity head coach isn’t lost on Howland.
“I’m excited for the fact this is my home school, and having this opportunity means a lot,” he said. “I know the kids. I know the families, and it is something I’m looking forward to.”
Even with the background Howland has with the Lions, he still wants to be able to put his mark on the program, and to do so, it won’t be about offense, but rather defense, as the top focus of the Lions under their new head coach.
“My philosophy on basketball is defense,” he said. “Having strong effort is important, but what I want us to focus on and what we’ll preach every day and drive home is focusing on the little things. As for our style, that will depend on who we have on the court. We have some bigs coming up, so hopefully we can capitalize on that.”
Again for Howland, he spoke highly of coaches he’s worked with in the past and how all the coaching at different levels has helped him along the way.
“I feel you have to have good coaches around you to learn how to become a coach,” Howland said. “Coming up, it is a must to have good coaches above you, and I’ve had that. They’ve introduced me to coaching clinics, and as a coach, I think it is important for those above you to let you follow them and learn. I don’t know how else you can be successful. I’m just thankful for this opportunity.”
Howland replaces former head coach Everett Snyder, who stepped down from the post following this past season where the Lions were crowned the Division II Southern Hills Athletic Conference champions, sectional champions and played at the Convocation Center in the district semifinals, ending with a 17-7 overall record.
Now with a varsity team that will have many faces moving up from a successful JV team coached by Howland this past season, the Lions will have a new look to their program as they try to build up to eventually become as successful as past teams.
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Though the path taken by Howland began with being the eighth grade coach for two seasons, followed by one year as the freshman coach and the past four years as the junior varsity coach, all of that was described as a necessity for Howland with him stating he learned the art of becoming a coach from current Lynchburg-Clay head coach Matt Carson and Snyder throughout his years at Fairfield.
“The best way to put it is this has been rewarding,” Howland said. “To see kids I’ve coached since they were young go all the way through the program, to help develop them at different levels, has not only helped prepare them, but myself as well.
“Both Matt and Everett have really helped me a lot throughout the years coaching at different levels. When the vacancy came up, I just filled out my resumé and met with the school because at this point in time, I felt I was ready for it.”
Howland knows there will be some vast difference from running the JV team compared to the entire varsity program, but it is something he’s been working for since he was the eighth grade coach.
“I know the No. 1 difference will be time commitment,” Howland said. “I’m responsible for the whole program now, and I want to make sure the entire program can be as successful as it can be. Luckily for me, I’ll be coaching kids I’m familiar with and ones who know what to expect from me.
“We will be a young team. There are three from last year’s team who will be seniors this season, and we’ll be playing a lot of sophomore and juniors, too. One thing about that group is they know how to win. Though they know how to win, since we’ll be so young, a lot will be about mental and physical maturity with them. Right now, we are working out about three days a week and doing our best to improve each day.”
Becoming the head coach at Fairfield for Howland isn’t just another coaching position. This new coaching venture is about him coaching for the school where he once played, wore the uniform and had success on the court, and now he leads the way. That aspect of being the Fairfield varsity head coach isn’t lost on Howland.
“I’m excited for the fact this is my home school, and having this opportunity means a lot,” he said. “I know the kids. I know the families, and it is something I’m looking forward to.”
Even with the background Howland has with the Lions, he still wants to be able to put his mark on the program, and to do so, it won’t be about offense, but rather defense, as the top focus of the Lions under their new head coach.
“My philosophy on basketball is defense,” he said. “Having strong effort is important, but what I want us to focus on and what we’ll preach every day and drive home is focusing on the little things. As for our style, that will depend on who we have on the court. We have some bigs coming up, so hopefully we can capitalize on that.”
Again for Howland, he spoke highly of coaches he’s worked with in the past and how all the coaching at different levels has helped him along the way.
“I feel you have to have good coaches around you to learn how to become a coach,” Howland said. “Coming up, it is a must to have good coaches above you, and I’ve had that. They’ve introduced me to coaching clinics, and as a coach, I think it is important for those above you to let you follow them and learn. I don’t know how else you can be successful. I’m just thankful for this opportunity.”