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WHEELING -- The gift of leadership involves being "inwardly sound" and caring about others, and that's what makes a good coach or mentor, according to Tony Caridi, long-time voice of West Virginia University men's basketball and football.
Caridi served as keynote speaker as the Salvation Army of Wheeling hosted its annual "Thank You Luncheon" for supporters. The event attracted about 200 people, and took place at the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack.
Caridi said he has been involved with nearly 40 seasons with WVU sports, starting in 1984. During that time he has seen the Mountaineer football teams win multiple bowl games and the men's basketball team make several deep NCAA tournament runs, including the 2010 Final Four.
"I've also had the opportunity to see what works, and what doesn't work," he told those present. "Why do some team have success, and why do some teams fail?"
He continued that when things "have gone wrong," there typically have been separate rules for different players on the team. That happened during the end of former basketball coach Gale Catlett's tenure, according to Caridi.
When the next coach John Beilein came on the scene in 2002, he brought with him recruits that became "an unbelievable band of brothers," Caridi continued.
"His family concept that as a family we must do this (play and achieve) together... was unprecedented," he said. "As a result, that team just had amazing success."
Current coach Bob Huggins then took what Beilein started and added his own touches, Caridi said. The Mountaineers reached the Final Four in just Huggins' third season in Morgantown.
"They have the ultimate success," he explained. "For them, it's not about what's in it for me, but what is the good for everyone."
Leadership is key to getting others to follow, but it isn't born within you, Caridi added. He cited a survey indicating that 72% of were more apt to follow people exhibiting two qualities -- being inwardly sound and ethical, and having a focus on others.
"Truly caring about the people around you and who you work with -- that's the magic bullet," Caridi said. "What happens when someone legitimately cares about you? You respond, don't you?"
Our mentors are typically people we find to be "inwardly sound and focussed on others," he continued. Caridi said he is frequently asked the following question about Huggins: "Is he crazy?" He jokingly responds, "Only during a game."
"How has he had success long-term? It's because he sincerely cares about those guys who play for him," Caridi said of Huggins. "It's the things you don't see during a game. He is working with them in practice, and he builds relationships."
Decades after they play for him, his former athletes contact Huggins and tell him, "You changed my life."
"He is 'others-focussed.' He truly is," Caridi said.
Caridi made the same comment about former football coach Don Nehlen.
He said a number of former football players he knows have called Nehlen over the years to tell Nehlen how much he positively affected his life.
At least one -- a successful businessman -- told Caridi, "If it wasn't for Don, I'd be pumping gas."
"That's the impact. That's the invisible touch we all have the ability to have," Caridi said. "It can be the most benign conversation, but it's at that moment when someone needs a push to change them forever and ever."
As part of the luncheon, Wheeling Salvation Army Capt. Mark VanMeter announced the charitable group's volunteer of the year for 2022, and it turned out to be four people. They are Carlotta Crowder, Jenny Bishop, Jackie McLaughlin and Goldie Long.
Mallory Clegg was announced as the new chair of the Salvation Army's advisory board, replacing Tim Reed. Dave Flatley will serve as vice chair.
VanMeter said Reed will now be charged will looking after the Salvation Army's six properties locally.
Barry and Lisa Allen, the chair family for this past season's red kettle drive, were honored for their efforts.
The Wheeling Salvation Army had a goal of raising $110,000 during the campaign, but after all donations were tallied after Christmas a total of $139,587 were collected, VanMeter announced.