The Ambition

The dream was to be a Division I college basketball player. Billy Clapper's dream of that day began as a 14 year old. He spent endless hours at the basketball hoop behind his home and at the nearby playground honing his skills. His goal was to someday wear the uniform of a Division I basketball program.  Many of the players who go on to play at that level have legendary high school careers and numerous accolades honoring them.  Unfortunately, that was not the case for Billy Clapper.     

His high school career was full of team success as they won over 80% of their games during his career.  His team won four league titles, a district title and each year was state ranked.  However, Clapper didn't have much individual success.  He was a role player his entire high school career despite his relentless work ethic and passion to become a great individual player.  He accepted his role and only cared about one thing when he stepped onto the court, winning. 

Clapper still had the dream to play Division I basketball after high school.  He however was only recruited by a few small colleges and decided to attend Mount Aloysius College on partial academic and athletic scholarships. He played one season for the Mounties and scored 19 points in a total of twenty games.  His playing ability improved daily competing against senior teammate Ryan Lestochi, who was a two time All American, and has since went on to play professionally.

 He decided after the season that he wanted to try and live out his dream to play Division I basketball.  He transferred to Youngstown State University his sophomore year.  He got his foot in the door by being the manager for the team. He continued to improve every day, often going to the gym at 6 A.M. to shoot before class. He inspired himself every day by saying a phrase when he walked into the gym. 

His junior year was much of the same, though he saw an improvement in himself when competing against his teammates. It was a goal to play for the penguins that season.  It was not meant to be though, but Coach John Robic had him practice with the team almost every day during the season. As he realized that Billy's work ethic and determination would make the other players better.    

His senior year, he faced adversity again.  There were no spots on the team in the middle of August and it seemed that Clapper would be the odd man out once again.  However the unexpected transfer of a player opened up a spot on the team. He made the team as a walk-on and provided motivation to his teammates every day in practice. He appeared in six games during the season. His determination to achieve his dream came true as he was inserted into the starting lineup against Butler University on senior night.  The announcer echoed to the crowd that little phrase, that Clapper dreamed he would one day hear, which he would say to himself every day when he walked in to the gym.