Vicky Graff Photo
Tony Bergeron estimates he coached over 650 high school games in his 20-year coaching career in the northeast and also spent two years as an assistant coach at the University of Massachusetts under coach Matt McCall. Bergeron worked as a program director for the Five-Star Basketball Camp, a camp that has helped produce over 500 NBA and over 10,000 Division I players, for nearly 15 years.
He coached his stepson, UK center Tre Mitchell, for two years at UMass and also for two years Woodstock Academy in Woodstock, Conn.
Bergeron has known Kentucky coach John Calipari for over 30 years and saw Brad Calipari, the coach’s son, when he was born.
“John is as regular as you get. I am skewed because I have known him for so long,” Bergeron said. “I am tight with the family. I have (entry) codes so I can go to his house.
“I see him through a different lens. He will go into town for a cup of coffee. He is very cognizant of what he has done in his career but he is still just a regular guy to me.”
Bergeron had planned to be coaching this year. He took the head basketball job at Franklin County High School in Frankfort last summer after his stepson decided to transfer from West Virginia to Kentucky.
“Our school (First Love Christian Academy in Pennsylvania) closed last year. I had no idea where I was going. I interviewed for jobs but when we had to move Tre my wife said we just go where he goes,” Bergeron said. “I was lucky to get the job in Franklin County. All summer I put in a new system. I coached the first two scrimmages and then was diagnosed with cancer and had to take a medical leave.”
Bergeron is proud of what the Franklin Flyers have done this season with a young team but as much as he’s enjoyed having time to watch Tre play, he’s missed coaching.
“It’s the first time I have not coached since 1994. It was brutal and still is,” he said. “I think the cancer is behind me thank God. Maybe I will get back into coaching next year because I think there is a little bit of a spark left in me.”
6 Responses
Spark on Tony, you and your wife are amazing parents to follow Tre. The Bluegrass welcomes you to make Kentucky your permanent home! We happen to love good basketball coaches.
Well said Joseph
As a former FCHS Flyer it’s nice to know we had selected such a good man as coach. I hope his health continues to improve.
totally agree Steve
Prayers Tony!!!! May u get healthy and come back strong as ever. Sense u love 🏀 so much, buy a house and stay in kentucky!!! We never have enough great 🏀 minds in bluegrass.
Praying for you. Thank you and Erin for the fine young man that Tre is. I have enjoyed watching him play this year. He has been a blessing to the CATS.