A Sit Down with Head Basketball Coach Mike Lightfoot
September 5th, 2008 - by I had the opportunity to sit down with Bethel College (IN) men’s basketball coach Mike Lightfoot this week to talk recruiting and the value of playing college sports. Coach Lightfoot reached 500 wins faster than any coach at any level in college basketball 
history. In his office are letters from the likes of Coach K, John Wooden and Mike Brey congratulating him on his historic feat.
ON WHAT HE LOOKS FOR, CHARACTER-WISE, WHILE RECRUITING FROM THE STANDS:
“I watch for how they react to a bad call, their teammates, adversity, and to their parents.”
ON WHAT HE LOOKS FOR WHEN VISITING A RECRUIT IN THEIR HOME:
“I watch their body language, their eye contact and if they are polite and respectful.”
ON WHAT HE LISTENS FOR WHEN TALKING TO A RECRUIT ON THE PHONE:
“Are they excited about the call? How do they communicate? Can I understand them clearly?”
ON HIS CURRENT PLAYERS BEING INVOLVED IN RECRUITING:
“My team will have an influence on if you can join our program. If they think a recruit talks about himself too much, that doesn’t go over well.”
ON THE VALUE OF PLAYING COLLEGE SPORTS:
“I have players that call me, usually about ten years after college, and say, ‘Coach, I got through a challenge at work or at home because of the grueling practices you put us through.’ They say that being a college athlete helps them overcome adversity and handle success. You have to learn how to handle success as a college athlete.”
ON HOW BEING A COLLEGE ATHLETE GIVES YOU THE COMPETITIVE EDGE AFTER COLLEGE:
“Charlie, I think since the Enron scandal companies are asking, ‘Do we want the brightest or the ones with the most character?’ College athletes bright the character to the table.”
Mike Lightfoot has coached Bethel College, an NAIA college, to 7 national championships in 21 seasons and a record of 568-203. Recruiting very good players with high character and deep faith has been the key.
Charlie Adams
NCSA Educational Speaker
