Staff Photo by Allison Carter/Chattanooga Times Free Press
Baylor School boys basketball coach Austin Clark, left, talks to Jeff Burke during the recent game against McCallie School.The old saying is to “Whistle While You Work.”
Baylor boys’ basketball coach Austin Clark can’t whistle, but as a coach he must work, so he must resort to other ways of getting the attention of his players during games.
For the past 29 seasons, Clark’s method of getting his players to tune in or catch signals has been to stomp the floor. It’s considered his way, but coaches find themselves getting into the game and trying to relate with the players however they can.
“I wish I knew how to whistle,” Clark said, noting he has to resole shoes every offseason. “It would be better for me and probably less stress on my feet.”
Clark’s stomping is meant to get the attention of the players; therefore, he has to wear a shoe that can be heard. So no rubber soles.