RamWire: Energetic Thorson a Builder of Relationships
CSU assistant puts his heart into his work
Luke Zahlmann
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Jumping up and down, arms following along in a near-jumping-jack formation, one of his roles is crystal clear.
Colorado State men’s basketball assistant coach Dave Thorson is the Rams’ hype man. In a tight contest against South Dakota State, he knew the team needed a riled-up crowd to back their efforts.
The crowd obliged, rising to their feet and aiding the team’s 72-68 win.
Call him an old man if you dare. The 53-year-old Thorson will laugh in your face with the same energy which drives him to watch hours of film, work with players after practice and be a vital piece of the new Rams’ machine.
Head coach Niko Medved knew Thorson would inject a lively energy to the team, a key reason he brought him along to Fort Collins from their previous positions at Drake. Heck, he knew Thorson would even grab a rag and wipe down the floors if it meant the team would have a better chance to win.
He inspired high school players in his 23 years a DeLaSalle High School. Now, he’s just doing the same thing for collegiate athletes. And it’s working.
“He’s just a rock here, you can always count on him to bring energy to our team,” Medved said. “He’s an all-in guy. Whatever he’s doing, he’s all-in. That’s what you want from everybody. He’s going to do everything he can, in his power, to help us.”
“It’s goofy, it’s something you kind of laugh at, but it’s because he really cares. He really wants to help us out, he knows we need it. He’s doing it from a good place in his heart.”Nico Carvacho, CSU basketball player
Something like pumping up the crowd in a tight game, matters. Thorson cares about winning more than nearly everything.
The one thing which overrules it -- and at times aids the passion -- is relationships. His ties with Medved, even calling the two best friends; his ties with Nico Carvacho and the bond they’ve built through trust; and even the new players who will soon come to the Colorado State campus.
“It’s a great difference,” Carvacho said of Thorson’s energy and antics. “It’s goofy, it’s something you kind of laugh at, but it’s because he really cares. He really wants to help us out, he knows we need it. He’s doing it from a good place in his heart.”
Fans see the boisterous coach on the sidelines. They see the buckets and misses that come on the court. What they don’t see is Thorson texting his players and meeting with them for lunch. He cares about making the experience worthwhile for every player he mentors.
“I want those guys to feel success,” Thorson said. “I don’t care what anyone thinks of me. You can’t fake real enthusiasm. For me, that authentic relationship I have with those guys, you saw that. I want them to feel that success.”
Carvacho, in less than two years with Thorson has blossomed. En route to becoming one of the program’s only 1,000-point, 1,000-rebound players, his averages went from 9.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game to 16.1 points and a nation-leading 12.9 boards last year.
Thorson works predominantly with the big men of the program. Carvacho is a prime example of his teachings, as are Dischon Thomas and David Roddy. When given credit, he’ll still defer to the player’s willingness to work. Receiving the credit isn’t what drives him.
“(Carvacho’s) will and his desire has been motivating for me,” Thorson said. “There’s no question that he and I have a bond. It’d be short-sighted to say that I’m the only one (who helps him).”
The bonds which are built drive Thorson every day. It’s also the new culture that’s being laid forth by the entire coaching staff.
Every coach has a different role for the team. Thorson’s is a large one, one that enables him to live out his dream as a coach and supporter of his players.
The dream for Thorson has been realized. He isn’t going to be the one to pinch himself either. He’ll force those around him to “wheel him out” of the gym when his career is finally ready to end.