Physical Education teacher Rick Riley is ready to dribble into the 2017-2018 boys basketball season as the varsity’s new head coach. Riley started working at Watkins Mill in the fall of 2015. He has relationships with many of the alumni from Montgomery Village Middle School, where he previously worked.

Riley has always envisioned himself coaching Watkins Mill basketball.  “If this job [at Watkins Mill] opened up, this was the job I was going to take,” Riley said. He has been coaching for 15 years and was the varsity coach at Damascus High School for four years. 

Watkins Mill has had three different basketball coaches since the 2014-2015 season. A new coach is a chance for change in the team’s culture, giving the team a new beginning. 

The players and the school anticipate something new from the coach that shows he is serious and here to stay. “Its an upgrade from what we’ve had in the past. [Riley] seems like he really cares about the program and wants to lift it up,” senior and fourth year player Liam Thomas said.

Riley began showing his dedication in the off-season by signing his team up for the Maryland Elite Summer League. The team came out 5-5 by the end of the summer. Joining a league in the off-season is the perfect opportunity to build a relationship with players before the regular season. 

When summer ended, Riley didn’t slow down with the preseason workouts. “We have been working out at 5:45 in the morning,” Riley said. Being able to get up that early shows determination from both Riley and his team.

This year, Riley looks to “win games the right way,” and “[play] for the front of the jersey, not the back.” He emphasizes strong character in his players. “Take responsibility when [the players] make a mistake,” said Riley.

Look forward to seeing Riley continue to stay dedicated to the team and change the basketball squad’s culture for the better.