Pusch Ridge Christian assistant coach Lamar Lovett started attending Faith Community Church in 1991, when he was a freshman wide receiver at the UA.
He has remained close to Pastor Bruce Brock ever since; in 2007, Lovett became a pastor himself.
Last week, Lovett revealed something to Brock for the first time: He can break dance.
Lovett showed his former pastor the Star’s video of him celebrating with the Lions following their 13-10 win over Mohave Valley River Valley in the Division IV state quarterfinals.
“He saw it and immediately was like, ‘We have to play this for the congregation,’” Lovett said. “We have about 1,000 people that attend on the weekend across three services. They played it all this past weekend. He let the congregation know why they haven’t seen me the last few Saturday nights.”
Here are three things to know about Pusch Ridge’s postgame sensation as the Lions prepare for Saturday’s Division IV state championship game against Phoenix Northwest Christian (6 p.m. at Scottsdale Chaparral):
A ‘b-boy’ from way back
Lovett, who has been coaching football and track at Pusch Ridge for 16 years, says he’s always been a motivator. That’s where the dancing came in.
“Truthfully, that was a motivational trick or ploy,” Lovett said. “There was once upon a time when Pusch Ridge could not win games. This was about 13 years ago. I just said, ‘Hey, guys, if you dig deep and win this game’ — I was trying to think and the first thing that popped into my head (was) — ‘I’ll break dance.”
Lovett still remembers the first dance. It was 2002, and Pusch Ridge beat Winterhaven (California) San Pasqual Valley by one point.
The dance quickly became a tradition. Following every home or playoff win, the Lions pray, and then players surround Lovett, bang on their thigh pads and clap to make a beat. The tradition has lasted 13 seasons and three head coaches.
“Coach Lovett is a great inspirer and motivator for our team; that’s one of his biggest assets to this team,” head coach Troy Cropp said. “He’s one of those guys who consistently loves, motivates and cares about these kids coming through the school.”
Self-taught
Lovett danced long before he set school records in high school or played at the UA.
“My mom knows, I was probably dancing in her womb,” Lovett said.
As a boy growing up near Los Angeles, Lovett was mesmerized by East Coast hip-hop and “B-boy” groups like the New York City Breakers and the Rock Steady Crew. He watched break-dancing movies, and eventually tried it.
“I was all into it. I studied it,” Lovett said. “People used to challenge me in contests and they wouldn’t beat me. I started winning dance contests at school. You guys have just seen me on grass — give me a slick surface and I can do some damage.”
Edwin Lovett, Lamar’s son and a junior standout on Pusch Ridge’s team, first saw his dad dance eight years ago. Some teenagers would be embarrassed, but Edwin embraces it.
“No, it’s fun. I say, ‘Let’s go Dad, let’s go,” Edwin said. “I like when my dad brings home some new music and he starts dancing to it. It’s pretty funny, and I like to dance with him, too.”
Organic, authentic
There are two things you need to know about Lovett’s moves. First, they’re impromptu. And second, they’re going to feature his signature power moves.
Lovett takes pride in his windmill, which is just what it sounds like. The coach spins on the ground with his legs spread in the air.
“I have 20 years of experience, but my power move is always my windmills,” Lovett said. “I just feel it. The kids ask me what I’m going to do next time, and I say, ‘Don’t worry: I live ready.’ ”
The secret to getting kids hyped up, he says, is to be quick and explosive. The windmill can’t be drawn out.
“I get a kick out of their smiles and enjoying their thrills and the ‘oohs,’” he said. “I really think it’s something the kids have kept alive. They always look at me and say, ‘Coach, that’s why we do it.’ If they say they don’t care, I’d let it go.”
Edwin Lovett and his teammates will experience something unforgettable if the Lions win a state title. The post-game dance will be pretty special, too.
“You can count on it. All rules are off,” Lovett said. “If we win the championship, I’ll show them some moves they haven’t seen.”
