Comments about ‘High school basketball: Every ballgame matters to Miners’

Bingham will lose their first 3 region games so their spotless record is only for the time being. GO Silverwolves!

Why is it that Rand Rasmussen get's so much coverage from the DN? I'm wondering, "Does he have a relative that is employed there, or, do sports beat writers just love covering him?" I would think the other programs in the State might like to have their programs covered as well.

Do some homework and you would find out that Coach Rassmusen doesn't like to be interviewed. He thinks it puts too much heat on his teams. He would just as soon try and sneak in the backdoor but of course, with his success, that won't happen anytime soon. Don't worry about it, there will be major coverage next week when they lose their first 2 region games. GO Silverwolves!

American Fork gets any coverage?

Bingham lose their first 2 region games? are you kidding me, their first game is against West Jordan, they have only won 1 game and have never been any good even since I went to West Jordan way back when. Their second game against Riverton, Yes that will be a great game. Riverton is a great team this year as is Bingham, but I just dont see Riverton matching binghams depth. As far as Rand getting coverage, well try winning some games and having a successful program and then they will be more then happy to give you some coverage!!!!

AMERICAN FORK WILL TAKE IT ALL!

Just play the games and don't read about yourselves or others.

I played for Rand in the mid-1990's and yes he was intense. Of course that is in practice and at game time. Away from the court, he is fun to be around and down to earth. He actually goofs around some at practice. He loves each of his players, just ask the ones away at college about how he phones them all the time just to see how they are doing. The way I am looking at this whole "coverage" bias, when someone wins as much as he does, or sends as many players to college as he does, or cares about his players in all aspects of their lives as he does, then you will get the "coverage" he does. You make it sound as though he seeks the attention. He doesn't even go to the girls basketball assemblies. He has always told us "it's your team, not mine" and the captains are in charge of talking to the student body. He is way too busy watching film and breaking down opponents weakness's to seek any "coverage". Want to find out more about him, just ask opposing coaches about him. No more is more respected.

I have more respect for Rand than any other coach in the state. I have asked him for advice many times and he has always helped me. To beat any of his teams, you had better be prepared or you will have trouble. During the pre-season, he takes the opposing coach out to lunch/dinner and builds relationships with those that are prepared to find out more about him. To be totally honest, I have patterned my program after his. I just pray we ever get to that point.

Coach Rassmussen is the easiest coach to get along with when calling a game. He doesn't question calls unless you are in the wrong position or if he thinks he is absolutely right. Win or lose, he always tells us how well we did. About a month ago, he told me that " no ref has ever cost me a game". I appreciate that and although I'm always on my toes, I look forward to doing his games because it makes me a better ref. Yes, he is intense but it looks like to me that his players respect him greatly. Him craving attention or notoriety? You couldn't be more wrong!

Rand does try to build great rapport with other coaches around the state. His teams are respected and he does work hard to succeed with his girls, other coaches, and other teams. Aside from the programs or records, Rand is a respectable coach and person.

Our coach talks about Coach Rasmusen all the time. She says that we need to copy his teams mentality, both physically and mentally. We're getting there but still have a ways to go. They have beaten us bad sometimes but they never run up the score with their starters,like some other teams do. Win or lose, Bingham has a solid, classy program. Sometimes, I even wish I played there although I love my own coach.

I'm hoping the DNews does a story on Coach Rasmusen as a teacher. One of the best I have ever had.

Coming from a collegiate coaching background, I find that Coach Rassmussen's teams are among the most prepared, well coached teams in the state. The players are fundamentally sound and understand how to play. They have been well taught and understand defensive rotations and principals.

His success speaks for itself. It shows his commitment to excellence both for the program and for his players. His team's are competitive every year inspite of varying levels of talent on his teams. This coach cares about his players, many HS coaches do not.

I have a son who plays baseball for Rand and a daughter who plays for Rand on the basketball team. They both have known him since they were really young. The things he has taught them from the beginning will help them throughout their lives. Sure, sometimes it comes off a little harsh but I would rather have them hear the truth than give them "coach speak" and sugar coat it. The things he teaches them both academically and athletically (hard work, being competitive, being aggressive, being a good teammate in the class room, on the hardwood or between the lines, etc) will help them as a student, player and in the work place.
The people who get on these blogs and do nothing but bad mouth Rand either haven't got the opportunity to meet him, can't handle good old fashion truth or are so jealous of the success he has that it eats them up. I hope he is around for a long time - he does a great job both in the classroom and in the athletic arena. Keep it up Rand!

Rand cut my daughter from his basketball team a few year ago. But he did it in such a way, that she understand why and respected his decision. Every game after that she made a point to say hello and give him knuckles. Cutting a girl from the team is the hardest part of his job and though it's difficult he handles it with class and does it with the same love and respect he gives to all his players. I respect the man and am greatful for the oppurtunity to know him.

Great thing is; Rand wouldn't like any of this love fest. He's won what? 379 basketball games and four state titles. Numerous region titles. Coach of the year awards. Etc. What he'll talk to you about is NOT him. He speaks of the girls, the other coaches, his program, and how he doesn't have any idea how they can possibly beat the next opponent. He respectfully competes with everyone and teaches those he coaches and has those in his classroom (all Sophomores) similar passion and work ethic.
Once again, all in the state should be excited for the teams, ladies, and programs in 2009. This will be fun!

Rand is Swell and so is his program