Mike Rocha ready for role as Farwell boys’ basketball coach

 By BEN MURPHY

Cleaver Sports Writer

The Farwell basketball team has fallen on some hard times the last two seasons, having lost 46 straight games. Mike Rocha was hired to take over the program back in May, and he is ready to make an impact with the Eagles as they look to get things turned around in a more favorable direction.

“I’m excited for the opportunity,” Rocha said. “A dream of mine has been to be a varsity coach and lead a program. I’ve had a lot of stops, mentorship and resume builders to get to this point and I’m happy to be here in Farwell.”

Rocha graduated from Coleman back in 2013, where he played for current Clare head coach Byron Schunk. He has coached multiple sports at various levels in different school districts and is now in charge of the Farwell boys program.

“I think what attracted me to the job was the small town feel that I’m familiar with and the senior class of athletes,” Rocha said. “I think this senior class has a lot of potential and can kickstart this new regime. Things have been going well so far. We’ve had a solid turnout to open gyms and scrimmages. We have more planned throughout the summer.”

Rocha is hoping that the off-season work pays off come next winter, when the Eagles officially take the court for practices and games.

“I think what’s important in a good program is the culture,” he said. “Players that are unselfish and will go to war with their teammates night in and night out are what make a good program. I also think the middle school and JV coaches are critical as well. The earlier that good habits are learned, the better.”

And when talking about unwanted losing streaks, the coach is obviously more than ready to see his team shed that.

“A short-term goal is to get a few wins this season,” Rocha said. “This program hasn’t won a game in two seasons due to being very young in a really competitive conference. This team will be senior heavy and will definitely get this thing going on the right track.”

With some wins looming on the horizon, if his athletes buy into the program, Rocha feels that Farwell can be right in the mix for Jack Pine Conference or post-season titles in the not-too distant future.

“I think a Jack Pine or district title can be very obtainable in the future and I’d love to be a part of bringing that to Farwell,” he said.