ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 10, 1997 TAG: 9704100012
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM THE ROANOKE TIMES
Illness forced him to retire from coaching basketball, but he says the sport isn't as much fun anymore and ``Don Meredith couldn't be part of the game.''
For years, Don Meredith yelled at officials, argued with rival basketball coaches and provided great quotes as the Lord Botetourt boys' coach.
Two years ago, poor health forced Meredith to give up coaching. Officials were relieved, but Timesland lost its most irreverent coach.
Today, Meredith is back in good health, running the family farm in Botetourt County and playing a lot of golf.
``The one thing you miss are the kids and the competitive spirit that goes with coaching,'' Meredith said. ``I've always liked to fight the odds.''
His tiffs with officials were the stuff of which legends are made. Meredith used to rip off his coat and start working officials to get favorable calls. His most difficult season might have been the one when national federation rules didn't permit coaches to stand. It was like putting a ball and a chain on Meredith.
``I miss everything that goes with the game, even the officials and the relationships we had,'' Meredith said. ``Every time I see a referee, they tell me they wish I was back. I was more normal than what I showed. The tirades were put on for showmanship.
``I wasn't a total villain toward referees. Although there are about seven of them buried here on the farm. I put flowers on their graves every year.''
Joking aside, Meredith said the game of basketball isn't as much fun anymore.
``If I got a technical, popped the referee in the butt with a towel or took off my coat, it was all part of the game. There was nothing to it,'' he said. ``Those things aren't accepted anymore. Don Meredith couldn't be part of the game.''
Meredith remains busy.
``It's like the phone. I'm trying to run a golf tournament for the cancer fund and finish my taxes,'' Meredith said. ``The phone has rung off the hook.
``Some people might sit by the phone and it might not ring. I miss [coaching], but not to the degree that I'm coming back.
``Everyone knows my health wasn't good. I couldn't give it what I wanted. Now I'm strong. I work on the farm, rope cattle, etc. They're all good memories that I have and very few bad memories. That's something to cherish.''
LENGTH: Medium: 51 linesby CNB