PROFILE: Money doesn't buy him love
by Jacob Kamaras
Senior Editor
Sports | 10/24/06
Posted online at 1:58 AM EST on 10/24/06
Even though he was paid less in New Jersey, Erman's work was no walk in the park. His typical day at St. Anthony consisted of waking up at 5:30 a.m., teaching science until 2:30 p.m. and running basketball practice from 3 to 7 p.m. His hard work was rewarding: St. Anthony had a 30-0 record and finished ranked No. 2 in the nation during Erman's first season. Adrian Wojnarowski wrote a best-selling book about this story, The Miracle of St. Anthony, in February 2005.
"It was great to overcome adversity," Erman says. "The kids weren't great in the classroom, but they were the most disciplined kids in the country on the court."
Erman credits that discipline to legendary head coach Bob Hurley, father of former NBA player Bobby Hurley. St. Anthony has won 90 percent of its games and 24 state championships under Hurley's tutelage.
"To say coach Hurley is among the top high school coaches is a disservice to him," Erman says. "He is one of the top coaches at any level."
After two years at St. Anthony, however, it seemed like Erman would return to the corporate world. He was offered a job as a sports agent in California. But then, Scalabrine, who had just signed with the Celtics, asked Erman to join him in Boston. Erman accepted and moved to Waltham.
Then, the Emory alumnus returned to his University Athletic Association roots in pursuing the Brandeis job. An academic scholar and a student of the game of basketball, Erman says he appreciates what the UAA has to offer.
"The UAA is strong in all sports, and the kids are real student-athletes," he says.
When Erman offered his services to Brandeis, Meehan couldn't refuse.
"I told [Erman] that we didn't need another guy on our coaching staff," Meehan says. "But by the time I was done meeting with him, I asked him to stay and help us."
Entering his second year at Brandeis, Erman has already made a significant impact.
"He brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the program, and a strong desire to help kids get better," Meehan says.
"It was great to overcome adversity," Erman says. "The kids weren't great in the classroom, but they were the most disciplined kids in the country on the court."
Erman credits that discipline to legendary head coach Bob Hurley, father of former NBA player Bobby Hurley. St. Anthony has won 90 percent of its games and 24 state championships under Hurley's tutelage.
"To say coach Hurley is among the top high school coaches is a disservice to him," Erman says. "He is one of the top coaches at any level."
After two years at St. Anthony, however, it seemed like Erman would return to the corporate world. He was offered a job as a sports agent in California. But then, Scalabrine, who had just signed with the Celtics, asked Erman to join him in Boston. Erman accepted and moved to Waltham.
Then, the Emory alumnus returned to his University Athletic Association roots in pursuing the Brandeis job. An academic scholar and a student of the game of basketball, Erman says he appreciates what the UAA has to offer.
"The UAA is strong in all sports, and the kids are real student-athletes," he says.
When Erman offered his services to Brandeis, Meehan couldn't refuse.
"I told [Erman] that we didn't need another guy on our coaching staff," Meehan says. "But by the time I was done meeting with him, I asked him to stay and help us."
Entering his second year at Brandeis, Erman has already made a significant impact.
"He brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the program, and a strong desire to help kids get better," Meehan says.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Amanda DeMartino
posted 10/24/06 @ 10:07 AM EST
I think Darren is a real inspiration. More people should have the passion and love for life that he has. He is one of the kindest and most caring people I have ever met and in this crazy world today, it's nice know that there are still people out there who care about things other than material objects. (Continued…)
Caroline
posted 1/23/08 @ 2:06 PM EST
Wow thats great
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