Locker Room talk with Blake Howarth

Editor’s note: Locker Room Talk: Coaches Edition, is a piece where every week the Nevada Daily Mail will interview a high school coach and ask them a series of questions. This week's guest is with Nevada Lady Tiger Basketball Coach Blake Howarth.

Who is your hero?

I have several heroes. From being a little kid to growing up, people keep showing up in my life that help show me the good in life. Some heroes that have played an impact in my life are my parents and grandma. I was able to do a lot of things when I was a kid. My parents and grandma supported me through those times. Then my wife. My wife has shown me so much and supported me through different situations. I have friends as well from childhood till now that have been there to help and support me as well. Also, previous coaches that I played for.

What made you want to be a coach?

Coaching or teaching never crossed my mind. I had the opportunity to coach when my wife and I lived in joplin. After getting that opportunity, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Having the chance to be a positive role model for the younger generations really showed me the light.

What was your favorite sport to compete in back in the day, and what is your favorite sport to watch either at home or on your phone?

I played football and basketball in high school. I would say both were my favorites. I really enjoyed playing for coach Scott Bailey and Coach Richard Marti in high school. Depending on the season and what sport was being played, that would have been my favorite. I enjoy watching all sports on tv. I especially like watching playoffs for sports, March Madness and the Tour De France.

Let's say the Nevada R-5 School District is looking to add a sport to their athletic calendar that they do not currently have. Tyson Beshore (Nevada R-5's Superintendent) comes up to you and asks what sport they should add. What sport are you choosing, and would you coach that sport?

Bowling! I'm not good at it, however I've always enjoyed bowling.

What are some of your hobbies that don't include sports?

Some hobbies I have are spending time with my family and working on the farm. We started haying this summer and throwing square bales. I also love fishing and deer hunting.

What advice would you give someone who’s going through a rough time?

Keep your head up. Tough times don't last, tough people do. Don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from.

What is one single piece of advice you would give to someone who might want to be a coach someday?

Anyone who is interested in coaching needs to be a sponge. There are very good coaches and mentors out there. Listen to what they have to say and how they coach.

Last time on Locker Room Talk, Nevada Volleyball and Assistant Girls Basketball Coach Kori Dodson wanted to ask you, “How hard is it for him to transition from football to basketball with the overlap in seasons? Also would like to know who is the best assistant coach he’s ever had?”

The transition from football to basketball isn't that difficult. I have a great support group from Coach Beachler on the football side to the girls in the basketball program. The basketball girls have been flexible with their schedules and helped me out when the two seasons overlap. My coaching staff for basketball helps a lot during that time period as well.

The best assistant coach I've had is all the coaches I've had in our program. Coach Dodson is up there because she's been with me the longest. However, Coach Buck was a good one when she was on staff. Also, we've had Coach Holcomb this past season and she did a great job. She stepped in and did a good job of building relationships and what we wanted to do.

Next week on Locker Room talk, it will be Sheldon High School Athletic Director Mike Galimberto. Do you have a question for him?

How did you end up at Sheldon? How did you become the A.D. at Sheldon? Are you coaching any sports as A.D. at Sheldon?