Verlyn J. Belisle

Coach Belisle was a legend when we arrived in Madison in 1965. He had won East's first and only state boys basketball championship. His current team was undefeated and was headed to state. He was two years away from winning East's first and only state boys baseball championship. Anyone who ever played for Coach learned two very important lessons; 1) play hard and smart 2) be tough. My own playing time for Coach was during my senior year in baseball. Every boy who ever played for Coach Belisle learned that there were three categories of players: 1) Jittery Kids - usually sophomores 2) Cool Kids - typically juniors and 3) Tough Kids - most often seniors. My own 'graduation' into the 3rd category took me until the spring of my senior year, That's when it finally occurred to me that being a tough kid meant more than just being strong. It meant: committing to the fundamentals of the game; practicing with intention; facing challenges with determination ; and fully expecting to do well.. There's no more special memory I have of high school than starting and playing on East's 1969 undefeated Big 8 baseball championship team and making it to state. Coach Belisle took his own time, to have me come into the school that spring and help rehab an injury I had suffered in a game. Many of his former players have dealt with difficult life issues, tough situations, health issues and personal losses. This is true for me: One of the life lessons I learned and carried with me, from Coach Belisle, is to face the mountain with determination and grit. A few of us had lunch with Coach Belisle in the fall of 2018. I had not seen him in 50 years and was surprised by his frail condition. He had a CNA with him and he was wheeled into the eating area. He greeted us all with his unmistakable smile/grin. While his body was in decline, his voice, energy and enthusiasm was in tact. We told stories. Recounted teams. Coach shared his thoughts and strategies on current teams and we laughed. I was pretty sure that Coach had always been in category 3, but for the first time I saw him in a new light, a new category …….. a great, caring, loving man, husband, father, grandfather and yes, my coach!! Thanks, Coach! Dave Lanphear - Class of 69

One of my most memorable High School experiences was when we won the State Tournament in 1958. I was a sophomore in the band and it was an amazing weekend. Hardly anyone could talk Monday morning from yelling so much. Great memories! My husband and I have crossed paths with Mr. Belisle occasionally over the years. He was always a gracious and friendly individual. He loved talking about his time and East and all the fond memories. As Dave Lanphear says, he was truly a legend. He lived a good life and will be missed.

Verlyn was one of a kind. He coached with intensity, he demanded commitment and he was always looking for ways to get more out of his players. I learned a lot about basketball (and life) from Verlyn. It was many years ago that I was at East High, but I can remember so many interactions with Verl as though they were just yesterday. Very few people I've known have made such a lasting impression. I stopped by to visit nearly five years ago, and just last week I was thinking that I had to get back. I am so sorry to have missed my chance.

Since I graduated anytime I talked to someone remembering East High School we would always wonder how Mr. Belisle was, and then came the stories of things he would share like talking about the East High School basketball team in the 50's that he coached. He will be missed.

One of my favorite teachers at East High. RIP