Stone Memorial

“Second Coach” Eldridge Leads Panthers Into Final Week Of Regular Season

Photo and Story by Kailee Means

Every good program relies on coaching and talent to build success, but one could argue that leadership is the most important ingredient to winning.

Enter Stone Memorial Senior Jack Eldridge, a four-year starter for the Panthers, and if you ask the man in charge, Eldridge’s ability to do a little of everything, as well as taking charge when needed, is what makes him valuable to the team.

“He just brings so much leadership,” Head Coach Neil Capps said. “Just galvanizing and being the glue on the floor for us, and defending, rebounding, and handling when he has to.”

What makes a player like Eldridge so important is that younger players on teams look up to them. The Panthers attend a leadership academy every year at Stone Memorial that reflect on key aspects within the players, and vocal leadership often comes up when people talk about Eldridge.

“You’ve got to hear a voice, you have got to have somebody that’s willing to speak up,” Capps said. “It is very hard because most people aren’t trained on speaking and being vocal in a group and for Jack, it just comes natural to him.”

Eldridge knows the importance of his voice as well, as it could make the difference in a teammate’s growth and maturity.

“Everybody needs guidance once in a while, and I’m that guy to let them hear it,” Eldridge said. “I really just love those guys and I’m always looking out for them. even when sometimes it doesn’t look like it.”

This voice is also important in the middle of close games, where the crowd can often make it hard for Capps to communicate with his guys.

“That is the benefit of having a vocal leader, he is a voice out there,” Capps said. “When you are 90 feet from the coach and I can’t get information to you, it’s really nice to have Jack out there to make sure he’s echoing everything and giving the information so everyone is on the same page.”

The Panthers have a tough road ahead in the postseason, beginning in the District Tournament where they will likely have to take on White County in the semifinals. For them to make a deep run, Eldridge’s communication and vocal leadership as the second coach on the floor will be vital.

“I’m just letting them know where they stand, when they are in the right and when they are in the wrong,” Eldridge said. “Two years ago, we lost basically our entire team. Now, all these guys are playing different roles and we are still young, trying to mesh and get used to it. I’m just letting them know where we need them.”

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