 "Photo: David Patten/Scottsdale Chronicle")
Scottsdale Community College women’s basketball head coach Bike Medder observes only one characteristic in potential basketball players.
That is hard work ethic both on and off the court.
The color of skin has no significance on the basketball court, which is why Medder believes everyone can have theopportunity to play basketball.
"Everyone deserves a chance; doesn’t matter if their black, white, Native American or Hispanic,” said Medder. “People tend not to recruit them [minorities].”
Since 1986 Medder has been recruiting from major cities such as Phoenix, Ariz. and small towns like Window Rock, Ariz. Within his years of coaching, Medder was able to recruit a mix of many ethnicities such as white, natives, black, Asians and Hispanic. Medder’s first encounter on recruiting a Native American was in 1986.
Medd said that because SCC is located on tribal land, there should be more Native Americans represented on the team.
"I saw some players play up north in the women’s basketball state tournament. Kim Ashley was the first [Native American], she was from Window Rock, Ariz.” said Medder.
By giving people an opportunity to play basketball it is apparent that Medder strives to be a good coach.
“I’m a basketball coach. I Want to be the best basketball coach I can be for Scottsdale," said Medder.
Medder said his goal is to make his players better people and citezens, "whether that is athletically or academically."
To fulfill his desire for SCC students to achieve both academically and athletically, Medder devotes his own time to help not only his players, but also other SCC students.
Medder has been an advisor for over 18 years for SCC.
“I don’t do it at the advisement center like I used to, but I still advise, but from my office. I’m on them [players]about academics. I Make sure kids have study hall every week so that they can become better players,” said Medder.
If a student leaves SCC in two years without something useful such as transferring to a university or obtaining a degree, Medder feels like a failure. He wants his players to succeed academically.
“If you come here for two years and have nothing to show for it than I fail because I’m using you… I don’t want to have that reputation,” said Medder.
Medder’s loyalty to Scottsdale Community College is shown through his devotion to not only his players but to all SCC students.
“I like the Junior College setting. Scottsdale has been good to me,” said Medder.
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