If you have been following Maquoketa Valley Boys Basketball at all for the last few decades, you’ve seen or heard of Coach Cassutt. Coach Cassutt has coached at Maquoketa Valley for 15 years. Whether it be middle school or high school, he has been a huge part of the boys program throughout the 2000’s. Through the ups and downs, the good and the bad, he has been there to help guide and coach the young men on the team. But as poet Geoffrey Chaucer said “All good things must come to an end.” With the recent fall to Dunkerton, Coach Cassutt decided he will be hanging it up and retiring from his basketball coaching career. With that being said, it is a must that we recognize all of the time, energy, and dedication that he has poured into the program.
After reflecting on all of the memories and good times, Coach Cassutt noted what he loved most about coaching: “The opportunities to coach with some outstanding coaches and to work with excellent players. The relationships that were built have been priceless for me. I am very grateful I have had the opportunity to be a part of the Maquoketa Valley basketball program for 15 years and to have coached for 27 years overall at three other schools. I always tried to do the best I could.”
After that many years of coaching, coming up with a favorite memory is tough for Coach Cassutt. “There are so many memories and moments from my career that it is difficult to narrow them down,” he stated. “The memories that stick out the most are the close wins, come from behind wins, and celebrations in the locker room after a big game win. The other aspect of my career that is important to me and provides my favorite moments is seeing former players as good family men, giving back to their communities, coaching youth teams, etc. That is what I will always remember. I am proud of them all. It truly has been my pleasure to be involved. Thank you.”
When asked how Coach Cassutt has impacted them, Lance McShane said, “Not only did Coach Cassutt help me to evolve my game as a player, but he also taught me many life lessons that are bigger than basketball.” Avery Holtz, class of 2023, stated, “Coach Cassutt taught me so many things and has affected my life in ways nobody else has. I could go on and on about what Cassutt has done for me and my family, but I was told I only get a few sentences. The last thing I want to say is that Cassutt is one of the most influential people in my whole life and I can say I am a better person because of him.”