(Above) Tay-Jorn Barzey, 18; Coach John Spezia; and Wendall Allen, 26, pose outside the Three Kings of Peace Roselawn Fitness Center prior to a workout.
Former DACC and LaSalette Academy coach John Spezia is literally an ambassador for the game of basketball. And that includes the time that he’s spent coaching at St. Kitts in the Caribbean. And last year he met two players, one 18 and one 26, that he wanted to bring to the U.S. to help with their futures. Spezia was coaching at a tournament in Florida, with a team that had two representatives each from different Caribbean islands.
Tay-Jorn Barzey and Wendall Allen are from Montserrat. But for now, they are in Danville, training several times a week at the Three Kings of Peace Roselawn Fitness Center. Coach Spezia says that since he began coaching in the Caribbean in 1999, he’s helped about 25 to 30 players find their way elsewhere to pursue new opportunities in basketball and education; which for him is the most fun part of the journey, and why he spends so much time down there. It’s a labor of love.
AUDIO: People always ask me; by any stretch of the imagination, I’m not a millionaire. But I’m a millionaire from the standpoint of helping those guys go to school. I think that’s really important.
Eighteen year old Tay-Jorn Barzey is hoping to end up at a prep school somewhere in the U.S. He says, he’s traveled away from Montserrat before. But this time it’s more serious.
AUDIO: It’s a great experience. I’ve been far from home before, but now it’s on a different journey. I’m here for a cause. I’m here to better my gave and move up, as an individual and a basketball player.
(1st Picture) Tay-Jorn Barzey helps Wendall Allen during shooting practice. (2nd Picture) Allen works on his shooting form. (3rd Picture) Barzey works on a ball handling drill.
Twenty-six year old Wendall Allen is actually taking classes at DACC right now. But he intends to be playing somewhere in this country soon. Right now, though, he’s enjoying his time at Danville Area Community College. But he did mention, of course, that it’s a little bit cooler here.
AUDIO: My classes have been going great so far. The school is quite great, actually; friendly, caring. Besides to cold; yes, school has been great.
We should also mention that Tay-Jorn and Wendall have known each other for quite a while. In fact, the older Wendall has special memories of Tay-Jorn’s family.
AUDIO: Tay-Jorn and I, we know each other good. I grew up around his mom, so I’ve known him since he was probably walking around in pampers.
For co-owner of the Three Kings of Peace Roselawn Fitness Center Ed Butler, helping out Coach Spezia with this mission is an absolute thrill.
AUDIO: It’s a joy to hear their stories. And we sit down and have a little mentoring talk; you know, to see what’s on their minds. And the dos and don’ts of why they’re here in Danville, as well as the Roselawn Fitness Center.
And on any given afternoon for a while, you just might find Tay-Jorn and Wendall working on their games, in the old Roselawn School gym.
