Bob Biggins has plenty to be thankful for in his time as the OPRF girls basketball head coach.
Under Biggins, the Huskies have won a regional title and a West Suburban (Silver) Conference Championship. Last month, he hit the 100-win mark as a varsity head coach.
But after the 2011-12 campaign concludes for his Huskies, Biggins will begin living the retired life; as he will leave the sidelines after 15 years at OPRF.
Biggins was honored for his outstanding coaching career in a ceremony prior to Friday’s game against the Downers Grove North Trojans. Surrounded by family and friends, he accepted a plaque from OPRF Athletics Director John Stelzer in recognition of his passion, enthusiasm, and dedication that he showed for the program since becoming the Freshman B coach in 1997.
“It was a really nice gesture,” said Biggins of the honor. “It certainly feels great. I’ve got great people that work for me. It’s been a lot of fun.
“I’ve been in this community my whole life. It’s really good to get that feedback and have people appreciating you. It’s always good to feel that way.”
As far as a favorite coaching moment in his tenure at OPRF, Biggins said he’s had too many to pick just one. He’d rather give credit to the girls that played for him over the years.
“We’ve had some very exciting games over the years,” he said. “We’ve had many great comebacks and last-second victories. But it’s really about the girls. The girls are so wonderful; even in a loss they’re great. We’ve had a lot of memorable players, they’re all great and the relationships with them have been great. That’s what I’m going to cherish.”
Although there is always a time where a career must end, Biggins said he’s glad he can have so many great memories to look back on.
“I’m ready to walk away and do other things, but I wouldn’t give up a minute of it,” he said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s been great.”
Biggins currently holds a varsity coaching record of 106-70.
