James Philbrook, a 2010 Edward Little graduate, stands in the Auburn school’s new gym earlier this month. Philbrook was hired last month to coach the Red Eddies boys basketball team. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal Coaching the Edward Little boys basketball team has been James Philbrook’s dream for as long as he can remember.
Last month, his dream became a reality when he was hired to lead the Red Eddies . “Once I realized that I wanted to get into coaching, this was always going to be a dream job for me,” Philbrook said. “Now that it’s come to fruition, I’m star-struck.
At one point, I’m like, ‘Wow, this is actually happening, it’s actually happening.’ It’s just a tremendous opportunity. I’m looking forward to it.
” Philbrook graduated from Edward Little in 2010, and played for former head coach Mike Adams, who stepped down this year after a 23-year run with the Red Eddies. During Philbrook’s high school career, he helped Edward Little reach the 2009 and 2010 Class A state championship games. “There was a huge field sort of buzz around the community, which was awesome to feel,” Philbrook said.
“You felt like you were a part of something bigger than yourself.” Despite losing to Thornton in 2009 and then Cheverus (who later vacated the state championship for using an ineligible player) in 2010 , Philbrook said he will never forget the experiences of those state title games — the excitement in the locker room and on the bus rides, stepping onto th.
