The Rotary Club of Akron enjoyed listening to Coach Dru Joyce at our Tuesday, September 28, 2021, Club meeting.
Coach Dru began his presentation by letting us know a little about himself and his family. He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio and graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1973. He received his degree from Ohio University in 1978. Upon graduation, Coach Dru began a career as a Sales Representative for Hunt-Wesson Foods. After 25 years of dedicated service and varying degrees of responsibility he left corporate America to follow his dream of coaching. He was named Head Boys Basketball Coach at St. Vincent/St. Mary in 2001 and has coached the Fighting Irish to five State Championships.
Coach Dru commented that his story is like most of the rest of the Rotarian audience whom he was speaking with today. “His foundation was based on humble beginnings.” The two most important things in his life, are his commitment to Christ and his wife of 42 years.
Much of what Coach Dru shared has been written in a book entitled "Beyond Championships: A Playbook for Winning At Life," which documents the life principles he has used to help boys grow into men.
Coach Dru shared, "Coaching to me is a sacred responsibility. I get to pour my life into the lives of the boys at a very impactful age. I am very thankful for all the support I've been given from my players families and the STVM family". Over the years his philosophy has been driven by Christian ethics and helping young men see what “manhood was all about.” Coach Dru always treasured the saying “More is taught, than what is taught.” i.e. What examples do people learn from what they are watching in everyday life experiences, whether in the classroom, on the basketball court or wherever there is a learning moment?
Coach Dru went on to say “it is ok to admit you were wrong. Growth can come thru adversity and loss. Don’t let my past dictate my future!”
Coach Dru’s Coaching History:
Head Coach Dru Joyce enters his 19th year at STVM as the Head Coach for the STVM Boys Varsity Basketball team. Coach Joyce brings 21 years of coaching experience to the Fighting Irish Boys Basketball program. Coach Dru has led the Fighting Irish to ten State Championship appearances in 2002, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 (DI) taking home five OHSAA State Championship Titles in 2003, 2009, 2011, 2017, and 2018 and one National Title in 2003. His career record at STVM is 349-105. STVM boys program holds the OHSAA record for most Boys Basketball State Championships; 8 in 1984, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2009, 2011, 2017 and 2018.
To hear more about Coach Joyce and his philosophy on life, I encourage you to listen to today’s recording.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEETING & COACH DRU'S PRESENTATION or copy and paste this link into your browser https://youtu.be/eWOXaIkudlE
Yours in Service -
Terry Dalton
Akron Rotary Club Secretary & Scholarship Chair
