SM Chat Special Edition: New St. Thomas Head Coach Troy Cameron

Troy Cameron was one of the most celebrated players to come out of Broward County when he was drafted 29th in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft in 1997. He also became the first player ever drafted in the first round out of Broward county. Cameron, a St. Thomas alumni, played nine seasons in professional ball, and this week, the former St. Thomas star returned to his roots when he was named the new head coach of the Raiders program. Shortly after being named coach, the new Raiders skipper gave us some thoughts on his new gig in a special edition, Sunday Morning Chat. Enjoy!

Anthony: Let’s start off with this. How did your relationship with Athletic Director George Smith play into you accepting the St. Thomas head coaching job this week?

Coach Cameron: My relationship with George Smith is what made me want this job from
the time it became available to the time of accepting it. Although I never played football for
George, how can you not want to work for a guy with his experience and knowledge? Just one of the many reasons why I am so excited about this opportunity.

Anthony: Having played at St. Thomas, how special is it that you now will be going back
and leading the Raiders program?

Coach Cameron: It’s really a surreal feeling, getting the opportunity to go back to
St Thomas and lead the very same program that jump started my baseball career.

Anthony: You coached at St. Thomas on and off for the past couple of years, what are some of the things you are going to change about the program?

Coach Cameron: I was fortunate enough to coach St Thomas’ fall baseball program the past two years which has allowed me to get to know a lot of the young players and for them to get to know me. I think that is very important because a lot of these kids know what I am all about and what I expect out of them. In terms of changing things, that’s a tough question because Bobby Lawson did such a great job the past 12 years. I just want to take what he has done, and combine it with what I have learned from my years in pro ball, and give these kids the opportunity to be their best.

Anthony: How much do you think having played at St. Thomas yourself, and being a Raider, will help you in earning respect from your new players?

Coach Cameron: I think being an alumni is very important for the players. Its gives
them someone to relate to. To know that I was in their shoes, playing at the same
school, with the same goals as them. It’s going to help rebuild that tradition that we are so proud of.

Anthony: Will you be retaining any of the previous coaching staff?

Coach Cameron: I will be keeping Coach (Ed) Waters and Coach (John) Hackett from the previous staff. I played for both of these coaches when I was a player here, and how could you not want the experience that these two coaches have. I am bringing in Brian Gibbons, who was the head coach of our freshman team the past two seasons, and is also a teacher at St Thomas. Mike Rodriguez, who played at Cooper City, the University of Miami, and then was drafted in the 2nd round by the Houston Astros, will be part of the staff. Mike is bringing nine-plus seasons of professional baseball experience. Tim McNab, who played at Cooper City as well, the moved on to Florida Atlantic University, and was a 22nd round draft pick by the NY Mets, will round out the staff. Tim pitched over 11 seasons in pro ball. I am going to have a great staff that will make me look very good, and help make my job a lot easier.

Anthony: What do you think may have been missing from this team the past few years that has kept them from making it to states?

Coach Cameron: I don’t think there has been anything missing, I just don’t think it was our time. We have done a lot of things to improve our baseball facilities and are still working on improving them, so that should help. I am really excited for our kids to get the experience they expect when they come to St Thomas.

Anthony: What is your coaching style, and how do you plan to get the players to buy into that style?

Coach Cameron: I am coming from a professional background where there are no systems, there are no gimmicks, you teach fundamental baseball and put your kids in the best possible position to succeed. I always played my best for coaches I liked and respected, and those are the coaches I learned the most from. I just hope my players get that same experience playing for me.

Anthony: What are your immediate, and long-term goals at St. Thomas?

Coach Cameron: My immediate goal at St Thomas is to get my feet wet and learn the ropes as fast as possible so I can get the ball rolling. My Long-term plan is to provide an opportunity for these kids to fulfill their baseball goals and dreams. State championships and awards are just bonuses, but to get a kid into college through baseball, that will be the most rewarding to me.

Anthony: You played pro ball, how will that help you in your first head coaching job?

Coach Cameron: Well, I think having played pro ball for 10+ seasons, it opens your eyes to a different side of the game than what we are used to when we played little league and high school ball. There is so much more to it, and the strategy that is involved. I have always been a student of the game and I believe you can always learn more. Having said that, I am looking forward to applying what I have learned as a player to now to being a head coach, but more importantly I am looking forward to learning more about this game.

Anthony: Last question. You are now a part of a coaching fraternity here in Broward County. Who are some of the coaches that you have looked up to in Broward County?

Coach Cameron: I have been fortunate to have played for some great coaches that are still around in Broward County. Mike Higgins, (Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach at Coral Springs Charter) was
the first. I played for Coach Higgins at St Gregory in 7th and 8th grade, which was the reason I
ended up at St Thomas, because everyone from St Gregory went to St Thomas. I also just finished coaching with Coach Higgins at CS Charter this past season, and what a great experience to coach with one of my most influential coaches.

My freshmen year of high school, I was introduced to Coach Waters, and he was the first person I really felt that believed in me and took a chance by selecting me for the Varsity Team as a freshmen. He did not make many friends with that choice, but there is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank him for pushing me to be a better player.

My senior year Coach Waters retired, and Paul Herfurth (Athletic Director at University School) came in as our new coach. The timing could have not been any better, because what I was about to go through my senior year I was not ready for. If it wasn’t for Coach Herf, I am not sure if things would have worked out as well as they did for me. I still talk to him on a weekly basis and he is one of my dearest friends.

Anthony: OK, well good luck with the St. Thomas program moving forward.

Coach Cameron: Thank you.

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