Eastern Michigan Athletics
Dedication to Coach Drake
by the EMU Women’s Basketball Team
Former Eastern Michigan University women's basketball Associate Head Coach Leonard Drake died suddenly in Evansville, Ind., Sept. 29, 2010. He was 56 years old. Drake had a wealth of basketball coaching experience on both the men's and women's college basketball fronts. In 33 years of coaching, he had eight conference championships, seven conference tournament championships, five NCAA Tournament appearances, four NIT appearances, and one WNIT appearance. Following three seasons at EMU, Drake was hired in June 2010 as the athletic director at Evansville Central High School.
Dedication to Coach Drake
by the EMU Women’s Basketball Team
Today we lay a great man to rest,
Who gave our team his very best.
He always showed care and concern,
Even as he yelled, he taught and we learned.
From crab walking in the gym,
To falling asleep in film.
We never knew what his true age was,
He changed it every day just because.
From 65 one day to 75 the next,
The day we knocked him down in practice had to be the best.
On road trips while we were sleeping with our legs in the aisles,
Coming back from the bathroom, he would say “my daddy woulda been proud.”
He was always there whenever we called,
To say “the guards have to get the post the ball.”
He was wise and well respected,
And to this game, he’ll always be connected.
His dedication was never questioned and his pain never did show,
He came to shoot around after surgery and we didn’t even know.
We stand here to reminisce,
On all the times we will miss.
You may be gone, however,
You will always soar with the eagles forever.
We will think of you in all we do,
Coach Drake, we dedicate this season to you.
Dedication to Coach Drake
by the EMU Women’s Basketball Team
Today we lay a great man to rest,
Who gave our team his very best.
He always showed care and concern,
Even as he yelled, he taught and we learned.
From crab walking in the gym,
To falling asleep in film.
We never knew what his true age was,
He changed it every day just because.
From 65 one day to 75 the next,
The day we knocked him down in practice had to be the best.
On road trips while we were sleeping with our legs in the aisles,
Coming back from the bathroom, he would say “my daddy woulda been proud.”
He was always there whenever we called,
To say “the guards have to get the post the ball.”
He was wise and well respected,
And to this game, he’ll always be connected.
His dedication was never questioned and his pain never did show,
He came to shoot around after surgery and we didn’t even know.
We stand here to reminisce,
On all the times we will miss.
You may be gone, however,
You will always soar with the eagles forever.
We will think of you in all we do,
Coach Drake, we dedicate this season to you.
