Griffins coach ignites team

When Bishop Maginn coach Rich Hurley took over as head coach in 2003, he was entering a program in the shadows. Maginn, in Albany, has long been known for its football but rarely for its basketball. 

However, just five years later Coach Hurley entered Friday's season opener at Catholic Central High School in Troy with his Bishop Maginn Griffins as New York State Champions.

"It was all about changing the culture," Coach Hurley said. "You just try to instill a work ethic. Kids today can see right through you. You need to connect with them. You see their passion, their beliefs."

Principles and players
Things started to turn around in 2005 when Maginn learned that Talor Battle, a nationally-scouted basketball prospect, would be transferring from Catholic High. Coach Hurley developed a special relationship with Battle and together, the two anchored a team that went as far as the State Championship game in 2007, where they lost to Mount Vernon. 

When Battle graduated later that year, his brother Taran Buie, another nationally scouted prospect, stepped in and led Maginn back to the State Championship in 2008, which they won. Shimeek Johnson, who now plays for Fairfield in the MAAC, was also part of both teams.

Despite the amount of success during his tenure as head coach, Mr. Hurley credits everyone around him for the team's accomplishments.

"I have great coaches, from varsity to JV to the freshman team," he explained. "By no means is it just Coach Hurley. The players play."

Off-court plays 
While the players have indeed played for Coach Hurley, they have also studied for him. 
When he's not on the basketball court, Mr. Hurley coaches his students on academics, as his day job is a guidance counselor at Bishop Maginn. To him, it is just as important, it not more than coaching basketball. When discussing his Championship team last year, he is quick to mention their success in the classroom.

"We had four seniors last year and they all graduated and went on to college. This year we also expect all our seniors to graduate and go onto college. I stress that it's not just basketball but what you do in class too."

Glow spreads
The team's success serves all of Maginn, said Mr. Hurley.

"It's great for the school. The community has supported us and Mr. Grasso (the school's principal) has been fabulous."

As for this year's Griffins team repeating as State Champs?

"We always talk about having a chance," Mr. Hurley said. "We're much younger this year. Last year's team was great from day one; this team is going to get better as the season goes on. Our goal this year is to get better every day."

(12/11/08)