By Bart Moss

For the FCT

Red Bay High School hired John Torisky to take the helm of its boys basketball program last week.

Torisky is a native of Illinois with strong Red Bay basketball ties. He is the son-in-law of the girls basketball coaching legend Donnie Roberts. In fact, Torisky has been the assistant to Roberts for the past three seasons helping guide the girls program to the state finals twice and winning the 2A state championship last season.

He said he believes that experience will prove to be beneficial as he transitions to the boy’s program.

“I enjoy coaching the game of basketball, whether it’s boys or girls,” said Torisky. “I have two young boys, and that is what swayed me toward wanting to coach boys. I want to build a program for the long term.”

He added, “Coach Roberts has taught me too many things to mention, but I would say the most important thing he taught me is that being a good person is more important than being a good coach.”

Torisky said the transition from coaching girls to boys will be a challenge, but he feels like his experience as a high school player in Illinois will prove beneficial.

“Basketball is to Illinois what football is to Alabama,” said Torisky. “It is taken very seriously.  I would eat, sleep and drink basketball. I see a lot of potential with our boys program at Red Bay. Hopefully, my love and passion for the game will rub off on our kids.”

Torisky said he is going to start with the basics to build a success basketball program.

“My immediate goals are to install a program that builds a foundation for success,” he said. “I want to put our guys in a position to win on a nightly basis.”

Longterm, however, Torisky wants the boys basketball program to be on the same level with the girls program.

“I want to take this program and make it a yearly contender,” he said. “These boys can have success just like the girls have; we just have to lay the foundation and work hard.”

Torisky is married to Leah Roberts Torisky.