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01/16/2019 11:00 PMWhile coaching and competing in the Eastern Connecticut Conference, Chris Perras was always eager to travel westward to see the scope of the Shoreline Conference circuit. Now, Chris has his chance as he dives into a new venture as a coach in Old Saybrook.
Chris is an Essex resident who grew up in Norwich, where he played basketball and golf at Norwich Free Academy. After graduating from high school, Chris became the head coach for the golf team at New London High School and was also an assistant coach with Ledyard girls’ basketball.
This season, Chris is stepping into the Shoreline Conference as the JV head coach for the Old Saybrook boys’ basketball team and an assistant on the varsity squad. Chris says that the seeds for his new opportunity were planted during a scrimmage between the Old Saybrook and Ledyard girls’ basketball teams last year.
“I applied for the opening the day before I left for Ohio for a trip, because I had always wanted to coach in the Shoreline Conference. The next day, I am emailing back and forth with [Old Saybrook Athletic Director Mike Cunningham] to set up an interview before I get on my plane,” Chris says. “Ledyard scrimmaged against Old Saybrook last season, so I was able to connect with Mike. It was great to connect with him and forge that relationship then. [Head Coach Pat Quinn] is unbelievable with his knowledge, so to work with these two is a dream come true.”
Naturally, Chris wants to guide his players to victory in his coaching role. However, he also knows that tasting defeat is a pivotal part of the process. This is why Chris mentors Old Saybrook’s athletes on how to stay composed in the face of adversity—and then respond to it.
“You want to win and want to teach the players the strategies to do so, but you need to acknowledge how to overcome a loss or setback,” says Chris, who works as a school counselor in New London. “I put it on myself, too, as a coach, because I am trying to put them in the best position to win. When you look at successful teams, everyone knows their role. So, to foster those relationships with players, it helps them see their roles and what their jobs are.”
Chris loves making connections through coaching. He believes that the more relationships you form, the more sources you have to learn from.
“I love the opportunities to teach and learn as a coach. You learn different styles and tendencies of players’ lives as you get to know them,” Chris says. “Life is about relationships, and I look forward to being a role model in their lives.”
Cunningham says he was jumping for joy when Chris threw his hat in the ring for the coaching vacancy at Old Saybrook. Cunningham feels grateful for all the heart that Chris puts into the Rams’ boys’ basketball program.
“When our position opened in the spring, I saw that Chris had applied and was elated. I immediately brought him in for an interview, and he shared with me all about his expectations, goals, and aspirations as a coach,” Cunningham says. “Chris also has made a great impression on our Head Coach Pat Quinn. Chris has been able to step right in as our assistant coach, pouring his wealth of knowledge into the program and really setting a great example for our student-athletes. I hope Chris is able to stay with us for many years to come, and really appreciate his passion both on and off the court with our program.”
Old Saybrook’s varsity team lost three of its first four games this year, but the Rams quickly turned things around, and are now riding a three-game win streak. Chris feels confident that the Rams have what it takes to do some damage in both the Shoreline Conference and Division V State tournaments in 2019.
“We want to be successful and want to win the conference. When you look at Division V and see teams like Cromwell, who won the title last year, and East Hampton, there’s no reason why we can’t win a state title,” Chris says. “I would like to add a Shoreline Conference and state title to this program.”