"If I Could Have, I Would Have..." David & Barbara Bader

As the 2013-14 academic year nears, we will be celebrating the past 20 seasons of athletic competition by doing a special segment by honoring the 20 greatest moments in Endicott athletic history.  The 20 Moments in 20 Days daily piece will highlight the 20 greatest moments in Endicott athletic history in no specific order or ranking.  This is a compilation of the 20 greatest moments that we have been honored to have witnessed over our 20 seasons of varsity athletics.  Starting on Saturday, August 10^th and ending on August 29^th, we will be revealing one of the moments each day as we ready ourselves for the kickoff to the 21^st season of competition in Endicott history on August 30^th.

When you attend an athletic event at Endicott, there are typically three groups of fans in the stands.  The usual groups are families, recruits and then the college students there to watch their friends play.  There is one small faction that, although generally smaller in number, is equally passionate.  This group is the staff and faculty at Endicott.  Teaching a full load, working a full day or commuting to and from Endicott each day leaves little time for the staff & faculty to take in games.  When they do though they can always be distinguished by where they sit, the handshakes and the consistent support they provide.  Whether they are standing on the fence at the turf, along the fence at baseball & softball or in the front right corner of the stands in the MacDonald Gymnasium, you know they are there and a small part of you takes notice to it.  This group, as passionate and dedicated as they are, is led by two people that give their “everything” to Endicott and its students; Hall of Fame members david and Barbara Bader.

Dr. david Bader, Professor of Psychology, and his wife Barbara have been avid supporters of Gulls athletics since David came to Beverly full-time in September of 2000.  Their unrelenting passion and enthusiasm for everything an Endicott student-athlete represents have been a powerful presence at athletics events for years.  david and Barbara have appeared on the sidelines at nearly every match, game, or race donning their Blue and Green apparel in the spirit of Endicott athletics.  david and Barbara have spent so much of their time recognizing and appreciating what each of the Endicott student-athletes do on the playing field.  “Being included in the Endicott College Hall of Fame was, to say the least, a great surprise and unbelievable honor for both of us,” stated Bader.  “It was like being honored for being enthusiastic ice cream eaters. We have always been sports participants, but as father time began to slow us down our enjoyment of athletics became out of necessity more and more vicarious.” 

“The excitement of watching the all-out efforts of Endicott’s athletes, coaches and fans gave us the energy to navigate a very difficult time in our personal lives,” Dr. Bader continued.  “Athletes, coaches and Dr. Wylie in particular made sure we had the support we needed by constantly letting us know, not only through words, but through their actions, we were an integral part of the Endicott Family. Endicott coaches took time out of their busy schedules to keep us fully involved in the Endicott Experience.  Our induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame highlighted Endicott’s commitment to us personally as family members and a reaffirmation of the great benefits to all when athletics and academics can combine to foster the growth and success of our students and our school. We will never be able to fully express our undying appreciation of belonging to such a warm, compassionate community of athletes and scholars.” 

The students of Endicott, from athletes to non-athletes, agree that there may not be a more passionate fan of the Blue and Green.  To show his love for the school and everything that encompasses it, Dr. Bader even had the school’s mascot, the Power Gull, tattooed on him.  Even at times when his health wasn’t up to par with his spirit, the Bader’s still made the trek to the games with their customary blankets/bleacher pads.  david was honored in the spring of 2011 with the David Cammett Award which is given to the Endicott faculty or staff member who embodies the spirit and passion of Gulls athletics.  When asked about this honor, Dr. Bader answered with the honesty and thoughtfulness everyone has come to expect of him.  “They say sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees. The David Cammett award was probably the first time I became aware I might be making a small contribution to Endicott’s student athletes by following his lead. My motivation for attending so many games, as Dr. Wylie often pointed out, seemed to be to get away with a (cheap date) an inexpensive night out with my wife. First a charming dining experience at the Callahan and then a free, exciting sporting event,” he went on to say.

Dr. Bader continued in saying, “I guess to some extent that was true, but over time, we were inexorably drawn into the personal lives of the participants. They made us part of their lives. Their triumphs and tragedies, both athletic and personal, became magnified. We never gave athletic advice, but rather offered consolation and encouragement at the low points and beamed with obvious pride at the highs.  When I first came to Endicott I always used the word “they” when referring to Endicott’s accomplishments. It took less than a year for the comradery of athletes, coaches and colleagues to change the ‘they’ to a ‘we’. David Cammett’s vision and dedication serves as a constant reminder of what it means to belong.”

david and Barbara Bader cherish everything about athletics at Endicott, but what they appreciate most is the simple day-to-day interactions with the players.  “My favorite part of athletics at Endicott is the comradery which takes place not only at the games but in my classroom or the AC Café or really anywhere on campus like when I get a wave or a, “Yo Bader,” from a familiar face wearing a team jacket. Endicott athletes from all teams take the time to genuinely thank us for coming to a game.  We love sitting in the stands with colleagues and frenetic students at the late game, even when it’s way past my bed time.”  

As previously mentioned, Dr. Bader’s health has had some rough patches over the years.  Thanks to the students, however, Dr. Bader has been able to keep a positive attitude and keep a positive outlook on life.   “Due to some bummer medical complications I have not been able to personally take part in any athletic activities for the past eight years. I would have packed away my sneakers for good if it wasn’t for the inspiration I gained from watching one courageous Endicott athlete after another, overcome painful injuries and devastating defeats only to return in triumph no matter how long it took. With my wife by my side we two septuagenarians set out every day to stay in the game by challenging ourselves or watching our student athletes challenge themselves.”

When asked how he maintains such a positive outlook on life, he answered, “I am by far not among the best or most brilliant teachers at Endicott. My one big plus is a history of stupidity. I have made every mistake and poor decision my students might face. Most of my students are more intelligent than I, even though I know a lot of stuff about psychology. What I have that they do not, at least yet, is old age,” he continued.  “My personal motto for living; which I also hold to be the case for each and every student is, “If I could have I would have.” To paraphrase Carl Rogers, I believe every student, every athlete and for that matter every person is always, under the circumstances that exist for them at that moment doing the very best they can.  That does not mean that under different circumstances they would not do better. I believe I connect with my students because I consider their failures as mine. I maintain a positive outlook because when I have been down, which over a lifetime has been often, the only thing that saved me was a family who loved and supported me unconditionally in spite of my self-doubt and the criticisms of the brilliant. I try to do the same for my students. Sometimes I am successful, sometimes not. It all depends on how successful they are at making me a good teacher.”

Director of Athletics, Brian Wylie, had this to say of Dr. Bader when asked.  "We talk a lot about how Endicott is a special place…david Bader’s imprint has impacted so many lives that have worn the Endicott Blue and Green. He epitomizes the values we try to instill in our student-athletes; like family, dedication, discipline, work ethic, but most importantly, perseverance.  In the time that I’ve been here, I can’t think of too many people that have supported the endeavors of the student-athlete the way david has. Whether it be watching games in the pouring rain with his wife Barbara, or giving a kind word or advice to a student, he is a true ambassador for Endicott Athletics!"

The respect and admiration from his students, both current and past, is nothing short of amazing.  When asked over social media to give one word or sentence statements as to why he is so revered by the student population, the outpouring of responses was genuine and pure.  These are just some of the responses that were received:

“He goes above and beyond his job and supports students outside of the classroom.”
“The man bleeds blue and green.  Always engaging and passionate about his job.”
“Power Gull to the fullest.  He supports every student both academically and athletically… a real role model to the students and alumni.”
“He is always thinking of ways to keep students interested and engages like good old Friday 8am class in the Callahan.”
“Power gull tattoo, enough said.”
“Genuine.  I didn’t feel intimidated in his class, his presence was more of someone who wanted to share his knowledge and truly engage us.”
“They are your family on campus (mom and dad type).  This was very important to me because I was missing that love in my life.  I love that they nurture the students in the classroom and in athletics.  They are real down to earth people.”
“He’s an Endicott student’s biggest fan, both in and out of the classroom.  Even when he is fighting his own battles, you know he is rooting for us to succeed.”
“One of the most passionate guys about the balance of education, athletics and overall well-being.  Always goes above and beyond to make sure students feel comfortable and wasn’t afraid to let people see the real struggles in life.”
“Kind hearted.  Always asking how students are doing and truly caring about their well-being.”
“Teaching isn’t a ‘job’ to him.  He loves it and actually makes the students love it too!  I also met my husband in his classroom, just an added bonus.”
“He has that extra ‘something’ that makes even the most apathetic student raise their hand and speak up.”
“We used to play basketball with him and Jason Williams on Friday mornings and he used to hit that running hook shot every time.  I really enjoyed his classes.  He not only loved teaching but the psychology of it as well.  He always used to say, ‘we are here to make a difference, not just to make money.’”
“Amazing teacher and all-around awesome person!”
“He’s an academic and social rock star!”
"He's able to take any topic and make it important and relevant to his students. I don't think a class went by that there wasn't an engaging group discussion that got everyone involved."
It is so nice to see someone so truly passionate about their job...in and out of the classroom and to have a wife that shows so much support for what he stands for. Two pretty amazing people! From him purposely signing his first name with a lower case letter to showing up at sporting events while fighting his own battle! Fantastic people!"
“He goes above the level of being your teacher and advisor.  To me, he is a friend.”

Dr. david Bader & Mrs. Barbara Bader, your former students have spoken.  A class in college is something they did.  A class in the Callahan at 8am on a Friday?  That’s their memory.  Its an honor to have you in the Hall of Fame.  You are a teacher, a confidant, an advisor and a friend, but most importantly?  You are their Power Gull to the fullest.