Not knowing where to begin when I was asked to write something about my father, I finally started writing this text the evening before a busy basketball weekend in Wilsele ...the gym where my father could always be found.
Most of the insiders remember Fernand as someone who was passionate about basketball. From early morning until late at night, with my mother Lucienne, he spared no efforts supporting the youth teams.
His story began when I joined Basket Hermes Wilsele 14 years ago. I made him promise not to get involved! He managed to maintain a low profile for about two months but after that he could not help himself but get involved.
When the Juniorteam won the Championship in 1998-1999 that was as much his success as ours since he had worked tirelessly to support the team. We all remember how he called around looking for players for a few positions on the team that still needed filling.
My father was someone who found it hard to stand on the sidelines. In basketball he had found his greatest hobby and many a thing had to make way for this growing passion. If something needed to be done for the club then all you had to do was simply to ask him.
Since 1999 he worked in the cafeteria with my mother. Here he came into his own, talking, laughing and joking with all who stopped by. At home there was only one topic of discussion and if there was any difference of opinion, it was always about his greatest passion: basketball.
After the merger between Wilsele and Leuven, he remained faithful to the club. With his closest co-workers he continued his work in the cafeteria. Winning the Belgian Knock Out trophy in 2005 was one of the moments he was very proud of. Those who knew him remember how he not only supported the youth teams but was also ready to help out with the first National Team whenever he was needed.
His motivation in the beginning was his son but his love for the club and the people, his basketball family, that was what kept him young. To his very last breath he talked about basketball. Time goes on but the gym here in Wilsele will never be the same.
My mother and I feel greatly honoured that this International Tournament carries the name of my father, Fernand Wauters. We know that he would find it a great honour too.
Kris Wauters - April 2009
