Long Beach State University Athletics
Getting to know Vic Couch
7/12/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
July 12, 2011
Can you detail your coaching path to Long Beach State? My first introduction to coaching was at John F. Kennedy High School in Fremont, Calif. I was asked to help a school that was in trouble of losing their program. While coaching high school, I was working full-time in sales. My sales job, subsequently, transferred me to Southern California. After moving to Southern California I coached at St. Anthony's and at Servite in Anaheim. My first college coaching job was at Santa Clara University. It was at Santa Clara when I officially met Coach Monson. He was coaching at Gonzaga University which is in the same league as Santa Clara. I left Santa Clara and joined Coach Monson's staff at the University of Minnesota in 2000. I was fortunate to be able to come to Long Beach State with Coach Monson.
Beyond winning a championship, what are your goals for the upcoming season? The perfect trifecta for me would be to win the Big West Championship, earn a NCAA tournament bid, and see all seven of our seniors graduate.
Who is an exciting new player we will see on you team next season? I think we have a few, but Michael Caffey's similarities to a young Casper Ware should provide a level of excitement for us, the coaches, and the fans.
What is your recruiting philosophy? Recruiting talented players is paramount. But, under Coach Monson, I've learned the importance of recruiting chemistry. What I mean by that is attracting student-athletes that fit in with the program's philosophy and goals. The pieces have to fit.
How important are the summer months to the development of your team? The off-season is where most gains are made individually by players. Ironically, the NCAA doesn't allow coaches to work with their players during the summer months. Players have to take the teaching from the season and carry that over into the summer as they work by themselves. In short, the kid has to be motivated to improve without the coach being there. That's why, as I mentioned in the previous question, that it's important to recruit players that fit in with the team's goals.
If someone asked you for a recommendation where to eat in the Long Beach area, where would you send them and what would you tell them to order? Legends! Hot wings; by the bucket, of course!
Outside of coaching and sports, what are your hobbies? I like to read. Anything that is a fast read is interesting to me.
If you had a weekend off during the season and you weren't allowed to work, what would you do with the free time? Now that is a very hypothetical question. As there is no such thing as a weekend off in this business, is there? I would most likely spend that time with my family. Hopefully, we would be doing nothing but relaxing and enjoying each other's company.
What vacation spot has been your favorite to visit? Denver. I think the city and its surroundings are beautiful.
Dodgers or Angels, and why? Lakers or Clippers, and why? Dodgers, of course! I grew up watching Jose Cardenal and the Chicago Cubs. The national league will always be my preference. I went to a Clippers tryout camp many, many years ago. I didn't make it obviously. So my choice is easy - The Lakers!
