AOTW: Like father, like … daughter: Scislowicz’s having a ball in same dugout at Adams
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INSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Rochester Adams softball coach Fran Scislowicz shouts out some orders to his daughter, Claire Scislowicz, during a recent softball game against Troy. Staff Photo | Dan stickradt
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
ROCHESTER HILLS — Parents often have the chance of coaching their children in the arena of sports. Dads coach his son’s little league, mom coaches daughter in soccer at an early page.
Regardless of sport, there’s nothing out of the ordinary there.
Yet, having a parent coach a son or daughter at the high school level, or high school varsity level to be specific, is somewhat rare.
This spring at Rochester Adams, there is such a duo. Veteran Rochester Adams girls basketball and softball coach Fran Scislowicz is coaching his senior daughter, Claire Scislowicz, on the Highlanders’ varsity softball team.
Claire Scislowicz, a three-year varsity veteran as a first baseman, was a little apprehensive at first about playing for her father on a high school team, but quickly adapted to the situation.
MAKING THE PLAY: Rochester Adams senior first baseman Claire Scislowicz closes the glove on a throw to the bag in a recent contest. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
“At first I wasn’t so sure. I was kind of intimidated and nervous because I thought he would be a little harder on me” admitted Claire. “this year we’ve become a lot closer and he gives me constructive criticism just like any other player. He doesn’t treat me any different. I love it and he’s my dad and I want to spend more time with him this year. Next year, I’ll be gone (to college).”
Fran Scislowicz believes this is the first parent-child combo at Rochester Adams, and can recollect very few such combos in the area over the years.
“As far as we can see, I don’t think that it has ever happened at Adams,” said the elder Sciclowicz, who has coached softball at Adams since 1987 and girls basketball at the school since the fall of 1991. “It’s a challenge when it first presented itself in her sophomore year, but Claire, even growing up, wanted to differentiate the field from our family. It’s been healthy (relationship).”
Few high schools in the area have had a parent coaching their children at the high school varsity level. The only other of note is Clarkston boys basketball coach Dan Fife, who coachds his three sons, Dugan, Jeremy and Dane, the 1998 Mr. Basketball, back in the 1990s.
“I’m sure there a e a couple of others, but that is the one that sticks in my mind,” said Fran Scislowicz, recalling a parent-son combo in Oakland County.
Fran Scislowicz was named to the Michigan Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame back in February, but being able to coach his daughter before she heads off to Grand Valley State University next fall has been nothing short of a blessing.
SENDING ENCOURAGEMENT: Rochester Adams softball coach Fran Scislowicz shouts out some baserunning directions to his daughter during the Highlanders' recent sweep of Troy. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
For now, the three years together in the same dugout is nearing an end.
The Highlanders, 22-11 and the runners-up in the OAA White Division, will open up the Division 1 state tournament next Tuesday at Lake Orion.
“We hope to keep it going,” said Scislowciz, who noted that this year’s senior class has developed into one of the school’s best all-time batting lineups. “Sure, it would be fun to win a district with my daughter’s group. But we are in a very tough district with Lake Orion and Romeo. Whatever happens, it has been a pleasure to be able to coach my daughter. It’s been a blessing and an honor to do that.
“So many kids miss their kids (playing) because their kids are at other schools and they are busy coaching at the same time,” he said. “For us, it worked out to be…”
Like father, like daughter.
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Category: BWW Athlete of the Week, High School, Rochester Adams
