SPORTS
THE MESA TRIBUNE | FEBRUARY 13, 2022
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threshold into the Campus of Champions.” The decision was met with backlash. Coaches, parents and some longtime media members took to social media to express their displeasure with the situation. A petition started by Ernst’s son, Jason, on Saturday has reached nearly 4,000 signatures as of Monday. “Coach Ernst has earned the right to coach the last few years of his career and to go out on his terms,” Jason wrote on the petition. “He has dedicated his life to MV basketball and this community. “He has built a program with neighborhood kids in which all high schools should emulate. If we can get Coach Ernst to retain his position as coach, then everyone wins especially our youth.” Tuesday against Mesa, Ernst was honored before the start of the game by Mesa Principal Kirk Thomas. He introduced former Mesa coach and current Northern Arizona University head men’s coach Shane Burcar as the master of ceremonies. Burcar brought out all the Mesa coaches Ernst faced during his time at Mountain View. Stories were told, hugs were shared and a standing ovation for Ernst from the over-capacity crowd made for an emotional moment. Several fans on both sides, media members and administrators from other schools wore red in support of Ernst – a theme across the high school basketball landscape this past week.
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mouth is and figuring out a way to connect the community.” Pond spent his first year at Westwood becoming accustomed to the culture and the inclusion of special education students. Coming from Centennial High School in the Peoria Unified School District, he saw it thrive and knew he could accomplish the same at Westwood. At the time, Westwood was slim with opportunities. The school ended up hosting the Unified state badminton qualifiers despite not having a team. Pond invited all the special education classrooms at Westwood to watch and bring some excitement. Both the teachers and kids immediately bought in to the idea. In his second year, Pond set up a Unified physical education class where athletes could practice during the day and
Ernst was honored before Mountain View’s game against rival Mesa Tuesday, Feb. 8. He was presented a plaque from former Mesa and current Northern Arizona University coach Shane Burcas. Ernst received a standing ovation from the over-capacity crowd, who he waved to and thanked from the court. (Dave Minton/Tribune Staff) Perry coach Sam Duane Jr. and Gilbert coach Jay Caserio started a movement among more than 30 coaches to wear red in support of Ernst. Desert Ridge coach Greg Ream, whose team played Perry Monday, also wore red. Caserio wore red Monday night and was in attendance for the rivalry game between Mountain View and Mesa on Tuesday. Lucas Ramirez, the head boys basketball coach at Saguaro, wore red to work with his team off for the night. Mountain Pointe
not worry about transportation. They also established a badminton, basketball and track team. It grew from there. “We had so much interest we had to add another class session,” Pond said. “We are sitting at around 70 kids total between the two classes that are now a part of it. We hope to keep growing it from there.” Seeing how successful Westwood’s program had become, Pond implored district leadership to help establish other programs at neighboring schools. He sought the help from new district Athletic Director Tommy Eubanks, who obliged and began assisting with the implementation of the Unified program at other schools. Pond and representatives from the Special Olympics of Arizona began visiting each district school to pitch the idea. All of them agreed and have started programs. “It’s been a really awesome thing to
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coach Kaimarr Price took to social media to express his displeasure with Mountain View’s decision. Price said coaches like Ernst deserve a celebration and proper send off. “You have to give credit to Jay Caserio, he got the text thread going and I threw in the shirt thing and they ran with it. Jay deserves a lot of credit for this,” Duane said. “I think it’s the best way to honor so many young coaches. Gary means the world to me and he’s a special coach to a
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lot of us. “Watching him, competing against him, trying to beat Gary was the standard. If you beat Gary when you were a young coach, you’re getting better. He deserves some type of thank you.” Ernst was inundated with fans of all ages shaking his hand following his team’s game against Mesa. He impacted the lives of those who he never spoke to directly for many years. His eight state championships as a whole rank among the most for coaches, and his win total may never be beaten. He said Tuesday the support from other coaches, fans and teams was overwhelming. It made for an emotional game and night that was won by Mesa in the final minutes. “It makes me feel so good,” Ernst said. “It really makes me realize the 38 years I’ve had at Mountain View we’ve impacted a lot of people. I’m proud to be associated with Mountain View High School.” Brigg Wolfe, a junior guard at Mountain View said he cherished his time with Ernst. While his team unfortunately didn’t get the win over their rivals, they still had an opportunity to play one more home game with their coach Friday in the playin game for the playoffs. Wolfe said playing for him was an experience he won’t soon forget. “He’s a legend, he’s the most winningest coach,” Wolfe said. “Just to be able to learn from him was something amazing.” ■
Kids at the basketball jamboree were cheered on by their peers and Westwood’s AIA and Unified spirit lines. They were all introduced by the PA announcer and played a few games and had the opportunity to compete against other schools in friendly competition. (Dave Minton/Tribune Staff)
