Rockford Heat: Coach Bio's
Cary Proper - Coach (2017) lftctr1@aol.com
Coach Proper has coached at Christian Life Schools from Elementary thru Middle School levels for the last 7 years. His passion is developing character in his players and guiding them to reach their potential on the court.
Chad Gassman - Coach (2015-Red) Chadgassman4@gmail.com
Coach Gassman is in his 2nd season with Rockford Heat basketball. He is an NCAA certified Coach and he has been the head coach and coordinator for 5th - 6th grade boys and girls basketball league in Durand for 5 years. Additionally, he served 1 year as IHSA referee and has coached for the boy’s elementary and junior high basketball summer camps for the past 3 years as well as serving as a Head Coach for the Durand 7th grade boys’ basketball program for 2 years. Currently, he is the Assistant Varsity coach for Durand girls’ basketball.Darrin Golden - Coach (2016): dgldn@comcast.net
Coach Golden is the co-founder of the Rockford Heat Girls Basketball Club and Post Player Coordinator. His instruction has enabled many Rockford Heat post players to help lead their respective school teams to championship finishes. In addition to his work with the Rockford Heat, he has coached for the Boys and Girls Club at the Elementary levels and led his respective teams to championship games. Coach Golden is NCAA Certified and has helped to instruct girls playing traveling basketball that have competed in local, regional, and national tournaments. He believes that a strong emphasis on mental toughness and physical conditioning coupled with a fundamentally sound player is the key to success. Coach Golden’s favorite quote is “A WINNER NEVER QUITS AND A QUITTER NEVER WINS!”
Greg Fiorucci - Coach (2016): gregafiorucci@aol.com
Coach Fiorucci has coached with Rockford Heat for 2 years. Affectionately referred to as the club’s “Basketball Encyclopedia”, Coach Fiorucci is a 4 year college player who brings over 18 consecutive years of coaching experience to the teams. Fiorucci has coached in a variety of roles throughout Northern IL in 7 different schools. Coach Fiorucci has developed and led boys and girls teams from the Elementary through the Varsity levels and is always ready to help players get to the next level individually and as a team. In addition to his coaching, Coach Fiorucci is NCAA Certified and has helped and led several national skills camps hosted by recruiting circuits. Coach Fiorucci’ favorite quote is. “A true teammate knows it's not about being better than one another, but making one another better!”
Joe Keller - Coach (2015-Red)
Coach Keller is in his 2nd season with the Rockford Heat. Keller has lead various teams in the elementary levels and has been a referee for several
years. Keller is highly regarded in the basketball community and the Rockford Heat is proud to bring his expertise to the club.John Penney - Coach (2015-Black) 815-871-4112 john.penney@rockfordheat.com
Coach Penney is the co-founder of the Rockford Heat Girls Basketball club. His pride and dedication has assisted many Rockford Heat players to help lead their respective school teams to Championship finishes. Coach Penney has coached school teams 4th-8th grade, boys and girls club teams, hosting clinics/camps, and high school teams for NCAA certified events and showcases. Coach Penney’s attention to detail has helped catapult many high school players skills to achieve starting Varsity status or gaining Varsity playtime. Coach Penney’s favorite quote is “Don’t tell me you can’t, tell me you will try!”Wendy Lambrigtsen - Coach (2014) wendy@oglelaw.com
This is Coach Lambrigtsen’s inaugural season with Rockford Heat Basketball. Immediately following her collegiate basketball career at Rockford College ('88-'92), Coach Lambrigtsen coached girls basketball programs for 6 consecutive seasons at Mt. Morris/Oregon School Districts, from 1995 to 1998 Coach Lambrigtsen coached at the Varsity level. In addition to her coaching, she has conducted several fundamental basketball camps and coached 3rd - 6th grade girls developmental/recreational basketball programs since 2000. Lambrigtsen is NCAA Certified and has also coached girls junior high and high school summer travel teams in '09, '10 and '11. Coach Lambrigtsen believes in and promotes consistent fundamental training, physical and mental toughness, knowledge of the game and teamwork.
