75 years ago my father, Peter J. Carril graduated from Liberty High School. His varsity basketball coach, Coach Preletz gave the team an inspirational poem that many of the players (including my father) came to rely on as they made their way through life. The poem’s message was one of hope, perseverance, mental toughness… a “can do” spirit that will triumph no matter how difficult the challenge. It was a poem that encouraged you to “not give up.” And so my father didn’t. He hung onto that poem and I remember getting it framed for him one Father’s Day.
Peter J Carril is a good example of the American Dream. Here’s a guy from humble, blue-collar roots, the son of immigrants- he makes it to the top of his profession and becomes a legendary basketball coach. Doesn’t get any dreamier than that.
He made it largely because he believed in the power of the poem, so he never stopped believing in himself.
He never stopped thinking that he could do it.
Here is the poem “The Man Who Thinks He Can” written by Walter D. Wintle.
Bethlehem and Liberty High School have ownership in the journey that led to one man’s greatness in the world of basketball.
Written by Lisa D. Carril (Lafayette, ‘76, Lehigh, ‘90), daughter.
Copyright 2023 Lisa D. Carril. All rights reserved.
