As a basketball coach you get to experience so many different kinds of kids. You get to build relationships with kids that you grow to love. It is like you almost become a parent to them, just on a lower level. This past weekend I lost one of those kids to a tragic automobile accident. His name is Joshua Bigby and he is from Livingston, Texas.
Josh is a great kid. He is probably one of the most competitive and determined kids that I have had the pleasure to coach. We didn't always see eye to eye, as is the case with all kids. At times Josh could be a very hard headed kid. The one endearing quality that Josh has is that he will give you nothing less than 110% effort. Once he made his mind up to do something he did it without hesitation or second guessing himself. From a coaching standpoint that was not necessarily always a good thing, but you live with it. He had a great passion for playing the game of basketball. Before every game he would just sit there with this look on his face, one that I believe would intimidate the devil. As a coach you knew he was ready to play that night. Whenever you talked to Josh he would look you in the eyes, and answer everything with "yes sir" and "no sir". He is a well mannered kid which I think is a great testament to his parents and his upbringing. In my brief relationship with Josh I found out that he has a great love for the outdoors, hunting in particular. One day I asked him what he wanted to do when he graduated, he replied with, "all I want to do is buy some land and put up a deer stand and just hunt". That is another thing that I love about Josh, and that is his ability to keep things simple.
I went to the Funeral home in Woodville, Texas, which is just outside his home town. While I was there I got to see the great numbers of people that Josh impacted in his short stay with us. They were all sad, but at the same time I detected a sense of pride from them. A pride that came from knowing and interacting with Josh. He had a lasting impact on all of his family and friends. I got to talk to his parents, grandparents, cousins, brothers, sister, and some friends. They all spoke of Josh's love for life, and fun in living his life. Josh will be dearly missed by all who have come in contact with him. I for one am glad to have known Josh, and will always remember him as a great young man.
To the Bigby Family: May you find encouragement and comfort in the memories that Josh left with you.
To Harrison (his little brother): Josh was proud to be your brother, as I know you are proud to be his. Can't wait to see you as a basketball player and hunter.
