MaxPreps & Army National Guard Present Long Beach Poly Girls' Basketaball team with trophy representing a No. 2 national ranking.
MaxPrep representative, Stan Granch, and California Army National Guard representative, Sgt. Jim Marchese, convened on the campus of LB Poly to recognize its Girls Varsity Basketball Team for an outstanding finish this 2007-08 season. Coaches Carl and Lakeisha Buggs stood off to the side of the outdoor stage in the middle of a massive quad area where thousands of students looked on, and as their athletes gathered around for, yet again, another award, capping off their season as the No. 2 ranked team in the Nation. Although Poly is so accustomed to this type of press and honor, Coaches Carl and Lakeisha expressed their most sincere gratitude and appreciation for this recognition, as if receiving an award of this caliber for the first time. With humility and class, they dealt with all involved. It was evident that there was more to their coaching than just wins and losses.
What stood out, more than anything, at this presentation, was not the elite-ness of their athletes, not the impressive line-up, not the name "LB Poly Jackrabbits", but it was the unity of their team, starting from the husband and wife tandem, both Head and Assistant Coaches, Carl and Lakeisha Buggs. It is not often you see this kind of dynamic within athletics. It says something about the rich tradition of LB Poly and why it has been so successful over the decades. LB Poly, over 100 years old, continues to coach champions on and off the field. With public school systems overcrowded and teachers and coaches underpaid, it is not the norm to see to such individuals committed to seeing their athletes excel. These coaches care about the individuals under the uniform. These young ladies were proud recipients of both athletic success and also an affirmation that only a solid couple such as the Buggs' can provide.
Under the blazing sun, the Lady Jackrabbits smiled and took a bow in great fashion. It was a wonderful display of success, accomplishment, and hope for these next generation leaders. In the midst of a world that is caught up in chaos, confusion, and dissipation, high school athletics, once again, has been effective in developing the character in yet another group of young ladies who will never forget the encouragement, order, and commitment of being a part of a "Team." It was a fantastic finish to an exciting Tour of Champions!
