Most teachers finish their day at the final bell, but physical education teacher and head girls varsity basketball coach Brent Moore finishes his day in the gym.
Because Moore must teach, coach and make time for home life, his days can be very busy and often long, especially during the season. “A typical day during the season consists of me utilizing my morning before school to prep for the teaching day. I then take every break between classes and my prep period to create practice plans, watch films or get a scouting report together for the evening practice/game,” Moore said.
Many of Moore’s days are spent according to this schedule as he’s been coaching for 17 years. Moore was the head freshman boys basketball coach for a year, the assistant varsity boys basketball coach for five years and this year is his eleventh year as the head varsity girls basketball coach.
With the help of family and other people around him, Moore gets it all done. Multimedia teacher and assistant girls varsity basketball coach Ryan Gunderson has been by Moore’s side for the last four years, making this year their fifth together. “Coaching with Moore is easy because we have the same concept, goals, and mindset. Our styles of basketball are different, but it works,” Gunderson said. Over their five years together, Moore and Gunderson have adapted to each other’s styles and led their teams to have very successful seasons. Gunderson said, “I’m more loose and just play and Moore’s more sets, but we’ve blended and it works out really well. He’s always open to new, his first answer is always let’s see how it works.”
As the years have passed, Moore has coached many different players and teams. Junior Ashlynn Ganiere is a starter on this year’s roster and has been on varsity since her freshman year. “It’s been an honor to be pulled up to play for him the past three years, him and Gunderson put their best interest into me and want success for me in the future,” Ganiere said.
Besides coaching, Moore teaches physical education and drivers’ education. Athletic trainer, drivers’ education and sports medicine teacher Eric Buscher has had the opportunity to work with him for multiple years as well. “I don’t have any complaints about working with him. We work well together, and he finds creative solutions to challenges when it comes to coaching and teaching,” Buscher said.
Having all these people around him creates a space for Moore to show his personality in different ways. Ganiere said, “One word to describe Moore is inclusive. He tries to make everyone feel like they’re part of the family.”
Gunderson said, “He’s relentless.”
“One word to describe Moore would be charismatic,” Buscher said. All these things are just small parts of Moore’s personality as a coach, teacher and person overall. Through his hard work at school and dedication to his team, he is able to impact so many people.
