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The Triple Threat
By: Jenna Severson
The boys basketball team has a unique roster this year, with three brothers wearing a varsity uniform. Ryan, Stephen, and Joe Couillard all tried out for the boys basketball team and managed to find a place on the varsity team.
"I feel fortunate to have Ryan, Joe, and Stephen on our Varsity team this year. All three are very talented players who set a great example on and off the court," stated the head coach, Dave Bratland.
Working together on the same team is not hard for these brothers who grew up playing driveway basketball together. "That's where I taught my brothers how to play," commented Ryan who is the eldest of the three.
The Couillard brothers all started basketball because of their father's encouragement and due to the fact their eldest brother, Danny, participated in the sport as well. Basketball has brought this family a little closer together. "It gives us something to talk about at home," junior Joe revealed. They of course have to wait until they get to their house before talking about the previous game or practice because they are all too busy fighting over the radio station on the drive home.
Being on the same team forces the brothers to spend time with the same group of guys everyday, but they are comfortable with sharing friends. All mentioned their common affection for teammate Steven Grewe. The three do not partner up with each other during partner drills, but for good reason. "It would be unfair to everyone else," joked Joe.
Ryan does not have any extra pressure from being on the same team as his brothers, but Stephen, being the youngest as a ninth grader, has to live up to his siblings expectations. He knows they are watching him not only as teammates, but as brothers. This creates a little stress, but Stephen is apparently up for the challenge.
The Couillards' excellent teamwork does not end there; they also have some exciting stories of great Couillard plays. There has been a time where Ryan assisted Joe for a three-point shot and then Joe assisted Ryan for two three-point shots right after. They scored nine points together in a matter of minutes.
These very competitive brothers enhance the team tremendously and being on the team has brought them closer together. It is rare to find a group of brothers who get along so well with each other, but the varsity basketball team at St. Anthony is proud to have the Couillard brothers wear their school colors. |
