Please allow me to share my memories of one of the most significant teachers at NNHS when I was a student.
Coach Bill Chambers came to NNHS when Coach Julie Conn relinquished this duty as Head Basketball Coach
and concentrated on the duties of Athletic Director.

Coach Chambers set a example for the players and managers while he was the Varsity Basketball Coach for the TYPHOON.
His quiet manner and calm countenance always set the standard of conduct in a very charged and exciting environment
when the TYPHOON played at home and away.

His leadership on and off the floor set an example for all of us under his influence. He was a hard working Coach,
who insisted on each player giving his very best. He seldom if ever scolded a player, relying on hours of practice
and instilling confidence in them with his soft spoken encouragement and relying upon high ideals of sportsmanship,
which he set by example.

He demanded proficiency in the basic fundamentals of basketball.

He mentored certain players after the scheduled practice sessions, to make them true champions. I can remember him
working with Horace Williams ('55) and Slade Dunn ('56) and Donald Ellis ('58) for hours to help them improve
their skills at Center for their respective teams, by sharing his experiences.

He was an innovator, and dressed the teams in high top knee socks so they could see their team mates during fast breaks
and screen plays without looking up to be sure it was a team mate as the plays developed on the floor.

Ball handling was an absolute requirement to be on the teams, and dribbling skills were drilled into each player that
resulted in great confidence during close games, when the opposing team would put on a full court press.

Coach Chambers treated everyone with respect. He was successful and showed us how to succeed in life by showing us
how to do it with dogged persistence and determination.

- Joe Madagan ('57) of FL - 01/26/05

Thanks, Joe! What a beautiful tribute! You mentioned that you were in touch with Coach Chambers now.
What a rare opportunity, to be able to tell a teacher or mentor of the profound impact such dedication made
in the life of even a single student. Thank you for sharing this with us all.
 

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... my all time favorite mentor, classroom or bb court--Bill Chambers, what a class act!

- Allen Foster ('58) of VA - 03/16/05

Thanks, Allen!
 

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Hi, Bobby:

Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed speaking with Coach Bill Chambers when he called to thank me for getting you in touch with him so the two trophies could be shipped to him. Needless to say, he was thrilled.

Bobby, he also mentioned how he still holds you in such high esteem for your work ethic, honesty, and dependability as a young man, and as a caring mature man. I had to pass this along to you, rather than tossing a rose on your grave. Your dear mother sure raised you and Willie ('57) to be caring men.

I had hoped to pay a surprise visit on you and share this moment in person, but we were unable to make it to the NNHS Class of 1957 Annual Picnic in Newport News today, so I hope this email is not too crass. Besides, I could not find a valid postage stamp since the rates went up.

TYPHOON Regards,

- Joe Madagan ('57) of FL to Bobby Turpin ('58) of VA - 06/07/08
Thanks, Joe - and Bobby!
 

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