I can only be in one place at a time, so when I am not at a game - or return from one - my job requires a lot of desk duty in which I talk to coaches on the phone to summarize the contests I did not attend.

About three years ago I wrote a column listing the most overused phrases in sports quotes, many of which I will absolutely refuse to print. Nope, you will not see a “we’ve been working hard” or “we gave 100 percent” in my write-ups. I will go that extra mile – or in my case, ask additional questions – to draw out original thoughts from the local coaching brethren. Folks, it’s not as easy as it might seem, especially when a coach is reporting a blowout loss. Sometimes less is better, and often, I adhere to the adage, “if you can’t say something nice… .”

However, there are the jewels of the coaching profession who consistently provide me with thoughtful responses that spice up game stories. Below I have compiled a list of past and present coaches who have always given me interesting fodder to write about for the readers of Chenango County. As a disclaimer, I have enjoyed working with all of the local coaches, and no disrespect is intended toward any of those not mentioned.

Bob Branham, Norwich golf coach

Until I took this job, I only knew Bob from his exploits on the golf course. He was one of the first coaches to report a result to me, and he has consistently offered me quality insights in a sport that doesn’t have much in the way of play-by-play. His knowledge of his particular sport is on par – pun intended – with any coach I know.

Bill Case, Greene

The relationship I had with Bill for nearly 15 years extended well beyond the boundaries of the box score. Bill is truly a decent man with broad-reaching thoughts on all topics beyond sports. His successor for Greene’s girls basketball team, Dave Gorton, is a bit “edgier,” but no less thoughtful. Would you expect anything else from a high school English teacher who was a newspaper reporter in a previous life?

Dave Loomis, Otselic Valley

Now retired from teaching, but still coaching basketball, Dave is clearly much more than a Physical Education teacher and coach. Principled and pragmatic, it wouldn’t surprise me if Dave wrote or recited poetry on the side. He’s the master of issuing a quote similar in meaning, but with a thousand variations so it sounds fresh – at least to me.

Mickey James, Norwich, Sherburne-Earlville

I have known Mickey as a good friend for nearly 20 years, and it is through his volunteer efforts to help young athletes better themselves that I know him best. Mick also served as a varsity coach in baseball and football in separate stints at Norwich and S-E respectively, and he proved with his comments that quality does not necessarily go hand-in-hand with quantity. He will often sum up a situation in a few words with a wry, humorous non sequitur. For example, “we were more nervous than a turkey on Thanksgiving day.” Or, “his hands were so bad, he couldn’t catch a cold.” I’ll miss those one-liners.

Mark Abbott, Norwich

For 17 seasons, Mark was a model of consistency reporting games to me. He gave me all the time I needed for an interview, was clear and articulate with his comments, was organized with his thoughts and completely professional in our working relationship. He also provided me with any and all statistics to round out a story.

Tom Collier, Norwich

I was friends with Tom quite a while before he became a head coach. Surprisingly, he was reserved and reticent with his responses the first month or two at the helm as if he did not know me. He soon warmed to the adjustment of becoming a professional colleague as well as a friend. Tom is a true student of sports as well as a student of great coaches and their philosophies. He has gleaned that knowledge and combined it with his own style to produce an always-interesting take on the games he is reporting to me.

Mike Chrystie, Oxford/Norwich