Kennedy basketball is all in the family

CEDAR RAPIDS - This upcoming academic term at Cedar Rapids Kennedy might be an interesting one for Spencer Fontana. There's a United States history/psychology teacher he could have who's apparently a real brute.

Word is the guy teaches an extremely tough class.

“I'm a little nervous about that,” Fontana said. “But we'll see how it goes.”

In truth, his nervousness has nothing to do with Bob Fontana's teaching style. It's more that, well, it's his dad.

Heck, there's probably nothing to worry about anyway since father and son already are coexisting as head coach and player for the Kennedy boys' basketball team.

“It's been good,” Spencer Fontana said. “I'm lucky because I've gotten to experience him as a coach, a teacher and dad. Not a lot of kids get to do that.”

“It's gone a lot better than I ever could have imagined,” Bob Fontana said. “I've tried to always make note of guys who coached their sons. I tried to listen to their stories, good and bad, and I've tried to learn that way. Right now, knock on wood, it's been fun.”

Spencer was a bit player for Kennedy last season but is starting at guard this year. The Cougars are off to a 2-0 start and were 21-2 last season, which probably helps with avoiding potential conflicts.

Not once has Spencer called Bob Fontana “dad” at school or during practice. It's always “coach.”

“They do really well together,” said mom/wife Shari Fontana. “I do have to admit I (worried about it) at first. There was a little hesitation about how much of the court would come home. But they have done awesome keeping the two separate. I think it's actually improved their relationship.”

Shari Fontana said she tries to stay out of the way when it comes to basketball matters.

“I told her, ‘Remember, you're no different than any other parent. All right?'” Bob Fontana said.

“I'm just another mom,” she agreed.

Albeit one with a double rooting interest.

Kennedy basketball always has been a Fontana deal, considering daughter Madison was a Cougars hoops cheerleader. A sophomore at the University of Iowa, she can give her little brother some advice on the academic side since she had dad for a class.

“It went all right,” she said. “Not as bad as I thought.”

Some of that might have to do with her grade. It was an ‘A'

Maybe Bob Fontana isn't such a brute of a teacher after all.