Winner at Hoops for Haiti

Weeks ago, I remember letting readers of this blog know of a special high school boys' basketball event. It was held a few days ago, to kick-start the Family Day Holiday Weekend. A gathering of some of the better teams in the Greater Toronto Area attended - but not to claim bragging rights for yet another tournament.

This one was different: Hoops for Haiti. It was hosted by Pickering High School and it was the idea of teacher and coach Mike Gordensky. The name should be familiar to many by now, but likely for the wrong reason.

Gordensky is not Mr. Perfect, but he has devoted many years, and much free time, to coaching the school sport. Many people don't like him because of his success. They don't have kind words for me either because I think the guy means well. Gordensky is the same person who was suspended from coaching for one year - and not even allowed in a public facility to watch his team play a provincial playoff. All because he allowed two players an opportunity to be showcased for educational opportunities at a U.S. tournament a year ago. So the grudges continue - and by people in his own league as well as OFSAA.

It sure would be nice if the same people pointing fingers were consistent in their own policies and penalized others for wrong-doing. But, we won't go there now.

Alright, so at Hoops for Haiti, Toronto's Father Henry Carr may have jumped to the top of the senior basketball chart, in the mind of some, with a win over Richardson from Ajax. Vaughan, from Thornhill, also defeated Pickering. And Pine Ridge, from Pickering, defeated Toronto's Eastern Commerce, sinking quickly and some feel a team that hasn't recovered since former coach Roy Rana departed for Ryerson University.

I wasn't there because of a family death, but people who were said the event was fun with lots of excitement.

Gordensky did declare a champion after all: the people of Haiti.

While it may not be much to many, $3,600 was raised from gate receipts. People wanted to see some good basketball, but also cared about those in need. Kudos to the coaches and players who adjusted their schedules and time to do something to help people thousands of miles away - people that they may never see in their lives.

Maybe there are some people who have learned a few things about Gordensky - and about themselves too.

Comments

[Mr.Stevenson]

I do not think you have the entire picture of this guy Mr. Grossman.
Maybe what he did for Haiti is his way of asking for forgiveness.
I don't like the people who have it out for him but he's also not as clean as you make him out to be.

[Foxy One]

Close the book on this chap finally.
He did something good.
Great. Move on.
For those who have grudges, they need to grow up.

[Mr. Blake]

It's time to forgive and forget this man. He has been made out to be like some kind of a WANTED individual because he helped kids and maybe broke some minor rules. Far too many things in this world to be concerned about and I think it is very nice of everyone to pitch in and help the victims of Haiti. I have been reading your previous comments and it appears that some teachers and coaches just refuse to give in and don't like seeing this guy do well. Maybe now they'll now act like grownup adults.

[Alex Monkman]

As a parent observing all of this stuff, I am under the firm believe that LOSSAA and OFFSAA lack the intelligence to do the right thing. Instead, they hide in silence and look like those old symbols of monkeys that don't see, don't hear and don't speak. These are also educators and sports officials supposedly with leadership skills? Why don't we source these people out to other parts of the world.

[Bryan Hughes]

Any person who raises money for those in need gets my vote of confidence.
Nice job Mr. Gordensky.
You can teach and coach my children anytime.

[Anonymous Follower]

I shake my head because some of you people don't get it. He broke rules and there is a price to pay. Now he's doing some charity thing to make himself look good. We don't need coaches who break rules.

[Kirby]

Reading the comments above, it would be interesting if OFSAA was planning to donate any money from its provincial finals to match what this guy did. I hear people in our staff room say how this OFSAA organization has really gone down hill since the days of the former director.

[Bill]

Gordensky does good and does bad.
Last I checked that made him human.
The resentment of him is probably more about the Pickering program (and the long time bending of rules) and just that he is sometimes brash.
Great work Mike and Pickering Trojans.
Henry Carr is not number one though.
An exhibition game loss versus Carr losing to Michael Power?
That Vetrie win by J. Clarke over REDA and New Creations is more than even those top Eastern Commerce teams did a few years ago.
That should carry J. Clarke through as number one into OFSAA (assuming they win as favourites in LOSSA).