A Long time coming

Spring Valley’s Anne Long coaches in last year’s state championship game when the Lady Vikings beat Orangeburg–Wilkinson handily for the title. Bill Kimrey smiles at the memory.

“When I hired Anne (in 1992), that first season every parent came to me to complain about how hard she was working the girls in practice – how much she made them run,” the only athletics director in Dutch Fork High School history said Tuesday night at Spring Valley.

“But that second season, all of them sat in the stands and said, “Look at those girls run!”

Now, it is the fans of Spring Valley who sit in the stands – during the veteran coach’s second season with its program – and appreciate Long’s work. On Tuesday night, they shared in her 700th career victory – a 69–37 romp past Region 4–4A rival Ridge View.

“We talked in the locker room before we came out, and we decided this wasn’t going to be a two– or three–point win,” junior forward Savonia Bryan said. “This was for coach Long. She has done so much for us to take us to the next level that if we were going to win, we were going to win big for number 700.”

The Vikings led by eight less than a minute in, by 20 late in the first quarter, and by 30 late in the third.

With several minutes still remaining, the student section produced a giant placard celebrating the occasion.

“She’s done so much in the communities and for so many girls, it’s an honor to be a part of this,” said Bryan, who finished with 12 points. “Knowing all she has done makes you want to fight for her.”

After the game, Spring Valley honored Long at midcourt. Surrounded by her players and assistants, Long made a few remarks after being presented with mementos by Spring Valley athletics director Tim Hunter, Kimrey, and Shell Dula. Long worked under Kimrey for 16 seasons at Dutch Fork and under Dula for six seasons at Union in the 1980s.

“This means a lot to me: Everyone wants to enjoy success in their career,” Long said. “Everyone wants to be at the top of their game. I won’t say I’m at the top of my game, but I’m trying to get there.”

Long is being characteristically modest. In addition to her 700 wins, her teams have won five state titles (four at Union; one at Spring Valley), have finished second in the state four times, and have won 20 region titles in 34 seasons.

“Reaching this milestone means I was able to be a factor in letting these teams and players along the way experience success and the joy of being on top, of winning games, of winning championships, and of knowing that hard work pays off – you can reach your potential that way,” Long said. “To me, it’s about the everyday challenges and championships to help them reach their fullest potential – to reach their young minds to get them to accomplish, to execute, and to feel good about themselves.”

Xylina McDaniel can vouch for that.

“I have a hard time with being … coached,” the sophomore standout said after her game–high 22–point performance. “I take criticism personally instead of just leaving it on the court or instead of using it as inspiration. In my time with coach Long, I’ve gotten better at trying to do that. But she also has adjusted; she’s made (the criticism) to where it helps me. She’s more patient with me, and the whole team.”

That might be more a sign of McDaniel and her teammates getting familiar with Long’s expectations than of the coach’s change in attitude.

“My patience is probably a little shorter with this team because we’ve already accomplished something,” Long said. “Of course, it’s tough to repeat, but every day I‘m still excited to come to practice and meet the challenges day in and day out.”

So does that mean Spring Valley fans should circle December 2013 for a celebration of win number 800?

In her on–court remarks, Long joked that Spring Valley would have to roll her into the gym if folks wanted another 700 wins. But, before the game, she was already subtly laying the groundwork. As part of senior night festivities, Spring Valley recognized the girls team from each of the three middle schools that feed the high school. The youngsters received their first taste of the recognition that awaits.

Someone will tell them about the running later.