Head boys basketball coach Bill Humes reached a milestone very few high school coaches ever achieve by earning his 300th career win in a 46-43 victory over University High School on Jan. 27. Though this win came on the road, the achievement is still being celebrated throughout the West Essex community.
Humes’ success is rooted in more than just wins. The core of his coaching ideology is building strong relationships with his players. The relationships Humes has built with the team over the years are a big aspect that has become the defining part of the program. While Humes has coached for many seasons, he’s had to take societal changes into account and how they impact his players’ mindsets. Although his coaching techniques constantly change, one tactic remained the same throughout his coaching career.
“The one thing that has not changed is the philosophy of worrying about the process, not the outcome,” Humes said. “If we focus on the process and what each team needs to do to be successful, the wins take care of themselves.”
Achieving 300 wins isn’t easy, especially with competitive schedules. Humes has worked very hard to earn this title. The high level of competition does not stand in the way of Humes or his team. Athletic Director Tim Walsh said this is a huge moment for the school and basketball program.
“Reaching 300 wins is a tremendous milestone, especially in a division and county as competitive as ours,” Walsh said. “This achievement speaks not only to Coach Humes’ longevity, but to the consistent standard of excellence he has established for our basketball program and our athletic department as a whole.”
Humes prevails with his leadership. As a science teacher, he values preparation, discipline and fundamentals. He holds himself and his players to high standards, which fosters an environment built on growth.
“Beyond wins and losses, the program has become a place where players develop confidence, resilience and leadership skills,” Walsh said. “Coaching has changed over the years, but Coach Humes has expectations that are clearly defined and younger players understand what it means to represent West Essex basketball long before they step onto the varsity court.”
Coach Humes’ impact on West Essex goes far beyond the 300-win milestone. Through his leadership and discipline, he has built a program centered on hard work and doing things the right way. Players, families and the school community all recognize the standard he has set. As Humes’s career progresses, his influence within his team continues to grow. Humes’s accomplishments are a reflection of his players, and he hopes they recognize their success.
“I hope they know how much they have had a positive impact on my life,” Humes said. “I hope they developed friendships and memories that last a lifetime.”
