the skinny on

“I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m good once as I ever was.” That’s the way Toby Keith, country/western singer, describes his overall abilities now that he’s well over 40. It’s also the way I see myself as I begin this bi-weekly guest column called The Skinny on Falcon Sports. You see, several years ago some of you (more likely none of you), remember that I wrote a column called “The Pig Skinny” in the fall and “Hoop Scoops” in the winter. They were not memorable. Perhaps more memorable was the book “Kinnickinnic Country,” a book I assisted Mark Wyman in writing, published in 2010.

Nonetheless, now that I am more experienced, I feel able to fulfill Jeff Bjork’s request that I write a bi-weekly column in this paper. So it will appear in this space as if by magic every second and fourth week of the month. And if it turns out that nobody reads it, then of course it is Jeff’s fault.

Where to begin? If I’m good once as I ever was, this is the best you’ll see. And UWRF’s women’s basketball team is the best fans have seen for many seasons. A major factor in that quality has to be Shelby Lyman, interim coach this year, assistant coach the past three seasons. Coach Lynum will be a competitor for the permanent job along with whoever else applies when the job is opened up later this year.

Coach Lynum was hired by former coach Blake DuDonis prior to the 2019-20 season. As his assistant, she oversaw scouting, recruiting and guard development plus game planning. According to information in her online biography, the Falcon women were listed among the top five in the Falcon record book in made three-pointers and three-point attempts during that season. The following year the Falcons broke the record for most made three-pointers (206). That was also the fourth highest number in WIAC history.

Before 2019-2020, she was assistant coach for two years at her alma mater, Division 1 Cornell University (New York) of the Ivy League Conference. There she finished among the top 14 all time in assists, steals, and made three-pointers.

Other experience includes being an assistant coach at D3 powerhouse St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY. At UWRF, Coach Lyman is capably assisted by Katie Ahlstrom and Dell Drey. I asked Coach Lynum several questions about her experience at UWRF: How does she rank WIAC women’s basketball compared to that in other conferences?

The WIAC is one of the toughest conferences in the country. “Every night is a battle.” The WIAC women have done well in the national competition, she says.

Does she see any increase in interest in women’s basketball generally?

Yes, there is an overall growth in interest in women’s basketball. “But more importantly, viewership is up across all women’s sports.” The professional leagues and colleges play a part in that increase in interest. “Women’s basketball is exciting and great to watch. We’ll keep shouting it until people listen. If you put women’s sports on TV, people will watch.”

Has this team surprised her?

No, she said, but “my favorite thing about this team is how hard they play for each other and how much they enjoy being around each other. You can tell that by watching them during a game, but that’s the way they are during practice. They love to celebrate the success of others.”

What is the style of basketball you coach your team to play?

“We like to play fast and keep the floor well-spaced and if that creates open looks for three-pointers we’ll take them. We have capable shooters at all five spots and everyone has the go-ahead to take a three when the opportunity is there. They do a great job understanding where the open shots will come from in the offense. It’s a fun style to coach and they enjoy playing at that pace.”

What is your favorite WNBA/college/coach?

“I grew up in Seattle so I’m a huge Seattle sports fan. I was 10 years old going to Seattle Storm games in the Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson era. My favorite college teams are Cornell (my alma mater) and Duke. I enjoy watching Becky Hammon (Las Vegas Aces) and Noelle Quinn (Seattle Storm) coach.

How much individual coaching do you do?

“I’m in the gym pretty much every day with the players because I don’t have a teaching assignment. They all come to get extra shots up or watch film. The best way to build relationships is to rebound for someone. It’s something my coaching staff did for me in college and that made a lasting impression on me. You can just talk about anything or nothing at all. The simple question of how was class/your test/weight lifting/ really just asking about any part of their day can make a difference.”

Is weight lifting important for your players?

“Yes. They lift four times a week in the pre and post season and twice a week while in season.”

That’s it for this edition of the column. It’s my aim to finish with a thought to ponder. But will Toby Keith be okay with a Johnny Carson quip about life’s ending? Well, maybe once: “For three days after death, hair and fingernails continue to grow but phone calls taper off.” Think about it. So much truth. Who’s Johnny Carson?