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Cassreino A 'Perfect Fit' At Bishop McLaughlin

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By CLIFF GILL, Tribune correspondent

Published: December 19, 2007

SPRING HILL - When Hurricane Katrina approached in August 2005, New Orleans resident David Cassreino drove to his fiancee's apartment across town. They packed some personal belongings, then evacuated to Hot Springs, Ark.

"Even though we each had a second-floor apartment, Amanda and I weren't taking any chances," Cassreino said.

The hurricane and levee damage flooded and leveled Redeemer-Seton Catholic High School, where Cassreino taught and coached the girls' varsity basketball team. The school still has not reopened.

"We hated to leave, but with no teaching jobs available, we looked at relocating to another big city. We ended up moving to Tampa, so Amanda could be close to her family," he said.

Following the devastation of Katrina and the loss of his employment, Cassreino's fortunes turned for the better. First, he and Amanda were married soon after moving to Tampa. That fall, he accepted a social studies teaching position at Newsome High School in Lithia.

In September, Cassreino heard about the opportunity to coach girls basketball at Bishop McLaughlin.

"I interviewed with the athletic director Michael Zelenka. It turned out that he and I possessed similar coaching philosophies, Christian values and work ethics," Cassreino said.

Zelenka agrees. "With David's experience, not only in coaching, but in coaching in a Catholic environment, he was a perfect fit. Luckily for us, he was willing to make the commitment," he said.

Cassreino, 29, inherits a young team.

"We have no seniors and seven of the 10 team members are either freshmen or sophomores. Plus, we've practiced for only two weeks," he said. "On the positive side, though, the players are close to each other. It's helping me build a team family atmosphere on this team."

With a low-key coaching style that emphasizes fundamentals, Cassreino has set a goal of instilling the idea of constant improvement in every facet of the game. He plans to run a motion offense, with plenty of screens and backdoor cuts.

With a number of good ball-handlers, he is considering to implement a three-guard offense.

"Bishop McLaughlin reminds me of the school in New Orleans," Cassreino said. "It's big on technology and has a strong performing arts group."

At a recent practice, a player misses a layup. Cassreino goes over to her, not to criticize, but to teach proper technique. He takes a deep sigh, but keeps a positive perspective.

"This year will be a building year for them and me," he said. "By next year, this squad will have had a season of experience playing together. Opponents are given an early warning to beware that the Hurricanes are coming."

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