Coach Dzik recognized for hard work

by Bernadette Smith staff writer

As humble as they come is Coach John Dzik whose recent induction into the Philadelphia Basketball Small College Hall of Fame can be summed up into the • humorous phrase "it means you're getting old."

In his 20th year of coaching at Cabrini, Coach Dzik was given recognition for his hard work and dedication from the Philadelphia Small College Coaches Affiliation Organization. This organization has been in existence for 13 years and recognizes basketball division two and three coaches. This was the third class inducted into this hall of fame and Coach Dzik was the only person elected for this class. "I called to nominate Bill Carr and was told that the individual had already been selected, so I was a little disappointed. They then told me the individual selected was tne.'' Dzik said. He was surprised and very honored to know he had been the next coach to be inducted into this hall of fame.

The first person Dzik told was his wife Suzanne who just smiled and shook her head. "Not much of a positive reaction when I told her," Dzik said. But her response was that it means he's getting old and Dzik remarked he could not argue with that.

An induction ceremony was held that gave Coach Dzik the opportunity to express his appreciation for the honor by giving an induction speech. He quotes a phrase from his speech, which shows how much of an honor this induction was. "Anytime you are given an award with the words Philadelphia and basketball included it is a very special award because Philadelphia basketball has rich traditions from high school teams to professional NBA teams." Dzik said. The ceremony was a nice honor for Dzik and he was surprised to see so many explayers in attendance at the ceremony.

The varsity and junior varsity basketball players made sure to express their pride for their coach by taking time on their water break during practice so each could come up to Dzik and shake his hand and congratulate him. With a small smile on his face, Dzik jokes that they probably were trying to get him to go easy on them for the rest of practice, but admits it was very nice and much appreciated. "Coach Dzik really deserves this induction into the hall of fame because he works hard at coaching and being the athletic director." Junior lyquine Wilson said.

This induction into the Philadelphia Basketball Small College Hall of Fame was a great honor for coach Dzik and also for the Cabrini community. We congratulate coach Dzik on his hard work, dedication and achievements while being apart of the Cabrini community and wish him the best of luck with all his future endeavors.