Wayne Rasnick and his son, Ruben, have a unique relationship.
For most of the day, they are like any other father and son. But it’s at practice and games when they make the transition from father and son to player and coach.
You see, Wayne Rasnick is in his second season as the head boys basketball coach at Castlewood High School, while his son is one of the Blue Devils’ best players.
“It’s been a real good experience,” Ruben Rasnick said. “He coached me in Little League baseball and on up through the eighth grade and now he’s coaching me on varsity. Not many people get to experience that.”
The two have grown used to working with one another. Wayne Rasnick has implemented the perfect balance.
“I always assign him to an assistant coach. That way we don’t have any problems on the court,” Coach Rasnick said. “When you have a father and son, it’s a fine line. During the game, if I’ve got to tell him something or correct something, I have an assistant coach tell him. That keeps us on an even keel.”
Even keel is the perfect word to describe the team Rasnick directs. The team features a balanced attack (no player averages more than 13 points per game), plenty of experience (the Blue Devils are used to postseason play) and a tight bond (the Devils’ roster is dominated by seniors).
That formula helped Castlewood claim its second consecutive regional title and a spot in Saturday’s VHSL Group A, Division 1 state quarterfinals at Virginia High’s Bearcat Den. The
Blue Devils (22-4) will play Galax at 3:15 p.m.
“We’ve got a lot of veterans on the team,” Ruben Rasnick said. “Everybody’s been in this situation the last few years. I think maybe this year, we can go farther.”
Castlewood certainly played as a cohesive unit in last week’s Region D, Division 2 tourney. The Blue Devils won their three games by margins of 33, 9, and 11 points.
As the pressure builds, Castlewood’s players appear to be up to the challenge.
“We’re real proud of these kids. They’ve worked their tails off, to be honest with you,” Coach Rasnick said. “They all complement each other so well. They are all good students and all close, personal friends. When you talk about this team, they are going to be life long friends. That’s a special thing.”
Meanwhile, around the Rasnick house this winter, basketball has been the topic around the family dinner table most nights.
“We talk about the game a lot,” Ruben Rasnick said.
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