BY MICHAEL FRANGESKOS
In 1998, the WHB boys’ basketball team won the New York State Federation Class B championship. The Canes were the only undefeated boys basketball team in the state with a perfect record of 28-0. Their coach, Rich Wrase, held a record of 168-26 during his career at WHB with eight straight league championships, three county championships, and, of course, the state title.
Jermain Hollman, Jason Ritchie, and Bronson Martin: three players from the WHBHS 1998 basketball championship team have given us a glimpse of what it was like to hold that championship trophy and what direction their lives have taken after their historic 1998 season.
Today, these men are humble and appreciative at the opportunity they were given and being able to win a title 15 years ago. Not many people could say they have won the New York State Championship, and not many can say they did it in a Westhampton Beach Uniform. These three men are models to today’s WHB students on how hard work and perseverance can go a long way!
Jermain Hollman was an 8th grader when he first started his career as a varsity player. Unknowingly, five years later, as a senior, he would be the player that helped lead his team to a state championship. In a recent interview, Jermain described how hard he and his teammates worked. “Since we were 11 and 12 years old we had been playing with each other on P.A.L traveling teams, AAU teams and going to the best basketball camps in the country. When the season was over we would continue to work hard to improve our games. We were focused and we never wanted to let ourselves and our teammates down.”
This work ethic proved to be one of the reasons for their success, although all three men give praise to their Coach, Rich Wrase. Hollman said, “Coach Wrase expected the best from his players on the court and in the classroom. He knows the game better than any coach out there today.” Having such a great coach gave the ‘98 Hurricanes an edge other teams didn’t have.
After high school and on a full scholarship, Jermain played basketball at New York Tech. After playing all four years, Jermain earned his Master’s Degree in Public Relations and Advertising while working as an assistant coach and substitute teacher. Currently, Jermain is Project Manager at Scholastic Inc, in New York City, has been married for three years to his “ beautiful wife Shannon” and has traveled extensively. Jermain’s advice to the current WHB basketball team is to, “Understand that the hard work you do in the classroom and on the field today is the foundation for the rest of your life. High school is extremely important to your future. Good grades equals a good college which equals a great job and that recipe will set your life up for success.”
Bronson Martin was only in 7th grade when he first got pulled up to varsity. Bronson was a shooter and it was his job to come through during big plays when he was open. “My role on the 1998 team was to make open shots and to spread the defense we were playing against. We had two great players (Jermain Hollman and Dale Menendez) whose defenses keyed in on game in and game out. This meant that I was open and had an easier time scoring than they did at times. When this occurred it was my job to make sure I hit the shot.” Bronson feels that the roots from his success came because of many reasons, but most relied on the relationship he had with his teammates, most of whom only lived five minutes away. Their drive to win was strong. “We played together since we were 8 years old. Every day we would talk about how cool it would be to grow up and win a State championship.”
About coach Rich Wrase, Bronson said, “Coach Wrase was a winner and knew how to make his players winners. He made us work hard every day and made us earn playing time. Nothing was handed to anyone. You earned it. He was a very fair man and just a great coach.” Bronson also acknowledged his assistant coaching staff. “We also had great assistant coaches, who gave us incredible support (Ron Gholson, Bill Hempfling, Jack Vivonetto, Bill Matros).” After high school, Bronson studied at Cornell University where he had anticipated playing, until he realized the greater importance of his studies. “It was the hardest decision I have ever made in my life, quitting basketball. It was also the best decision I made, as it allowed me to focus solely on school, do well, and secure a job in finance, which had always been my dream since high school. I used basketball to get to where I wanted in life.”
This was a smart choice for Bronson as his future was full of success. He studied Economics and Management and graduated Cum Laude. Currently Bronson works as a financial advisor for Caine Mitter and Associates. Bronson also offered advice. “The most important thing is education. I used sports to open other doors for me. Very few kids make it to the professional level in any sport. With an education you can do so much more in life than you could with just a sport.”
Jason Ritchie, a versatile, do-it-all type of player, held an intricate role in the 1998 championship team. He was able to play the guard positions, shoot, pass, rebound, and adjust to game situations where his different strengths were needed. Jason also grew up with Bronson Martin, Mike Ford, Jeremy Liggon and Mark Green playing basketball on Hazelwood Avenue in WHB. Along with Jermain Hollman, these childhood friends would, as we know, shape up to become an important piece to the puzzle in winning the Title. Jason believed he was successful for many reasons. “Maturity, dedication, heart, motivation and character. We played together our whole lives and practiced every day. When you put your heart into something, as much as we did, then your put yourself in a position to succeed.”
Jason also acknowledged his success was not only because of his hard work ethic but also because of his Coach. “Coach Wrase helped mold us into the people we are today. He taught us how to set a goal and work toward that goal. He taught us about life and used basketball as an analogy. Wrase painted a path for the rest of my life.” After high school Ritchie attended St. Josephs College playing pre-season basketball, and ended up transferring to Cortland. “Playing basketball in college is a big commitment and I felt the next four years of my life should be dedicated to my career path.” Ritchie graduated with a degree in finance, leading him to a position at HSBC bank where he is now a Senior Business performance manager. Ritchie’s advice to students, “If it’s something you’re serious about and you are truly dedicated, make sure you put your heart into it and I promise you will come out successful.”
Advice from such experienced and wise men will be needed in this year’s quest to repeat what they did years ago. These three men are role models to what our students today and we should aspire to grow into successful individuals as these men did.
Bob santoro • May 15, 2021 at 8:50 pm
Hi Jermain. Her home number is 631 2881893. Cell 516 903 0679. Hope all is well with you. Good luck. Bob