On this night, Robillard is directed to the GRCC training room, where he'll dress and prepare for the Hudsonville-GRCC game. Robillard meets his partner, Ralph Johnson of Grand Rapids, and they head for the gym stands to exchange small talk and watch the jayvee game. After three quarters they return to the training room to put on their uniforms. Robillard also puts mineral ice on his sore Achilles, stretches his legs and brushes his hair. You have to look professional.
Coaches can be like little kids.
Robillard and Johnson discuss the two teams, especially Hudsonville's big players. ''Let's tweak it early and see how they adjust to us,'' Johnson says. With 14 minutes on the game clock, Robillard and Johnson take the floor and introduce themselves to the coaches. Robillard puts their officiating stickers in the score book and makes small talk with workers at the scorer's table. The captains from both teams meet and shake hands. Robillard and Johnson wait at midcourt as the clock winds down.