Sleeper takes over SACS hoop team

By Gloria Austin  
Staff Writer
    HOULTON –Vaughn Sleeper isn’t a new face around Southern Aroostook, as he coached the junior high basketball team two seasons and worked the last two years as junior varsity coach and assistant to Tim Toothaker. But, this season, he will replace Toothaker at the helm of the varsity squad.
    “I have a lot of interest in coaching because of what I feel I have to offer to the players on and off the court,” he said.
    Sleeper watched his son Willie and now Dakota excel on the hardwood. Willie played at Katahdin High School and then on the undefeated 1998-99 Houlton High School team, and Dakota is a junior at Southern Aroostook.
    The Warriors’ coach will emphasize motivation and character development.
    “Sports, first and foremost, teaches many lessons of life,” Sleeper said, “from how to work as a team and support each other to meet challenges on a day-to-day basis, learning from adversity to help in preparing young men for the competitiveness they will face throughout life.”
    The Warriors, under Sleeper, will be playing up-tempo basketball, creating much of the offense through the defense. The players, along with their coach, will be looking to each other and their fans for support.
    “Watching the players, teams and the fans respond in a positive way is what motivates me as a coach,” said Sleeper. “But, I want to pass onto my players that sportsmanship is second to none. They need to compete to the best of their ability, play with confidence and not be afraid to make mistakes.”
     Ten years ago, Sleeper’s coaching began with third- and fourth-graders in Sherman, and his passion is evident and he wants his players’ fervor for the game to kindle, as well.
    “My philosophy is quite simple,” he said. “Keep the team and individual players motivated by teaching them to enjoy what they are doing then they will work harder for you and the team. On an individual basis, we emphasize understanding and maximizing your  strengths, while improving on your weaknesses.”
    Through the year, Sleeper hopes to instill in each player that he is representing not only himself, but his school, community and family.
    “As that aspect improves, so will the support our team will receive,” he added. “I want my student-athletes to ‘wear our school colors with pride, play with passion, and success will follow.’”