But Lockerbie has proven that he is not just anyone. Not only did he accept the challenge, but has risen to it with an admirable sense of purpose and commitment. To quote USACA’s president, Gladstone Dainty, “Don brings a robust dynamism to USACA at a time when it is urgently needed. His proven track record is exactly what's required to attract interest and support for the development of cricket in America. He's a team-player and will no doubt succeed with the support of America's diverse group of stakeholders, while bridging the gap of interest in the sport between the current enthusiasts and our untapped American resources." Prior to 2009, USA Cricket wallowed in obscurity on the international scene. In addition to the challenges on the national scene, Lockerbie simultaneously committed to make the USA a player [not just a candidate for a handout] on the international scene. Lockerbie’s Destination USA Vision is gaining momentum daily.
But enough of the small talk – as an educator, I must confess a preference for a report card of performance. So here goes.
Lockerbie’s first year in office has seen:
1. Both the Under 19 and the senior team simultaneously participating in two ICC World Cup events at the start of 2010 – a first for USA Cricket.
2. Planning the first Destination USA event in May with New Zealand and Sri Lanka – a historic first ever full member match series in the USA.
3. The Under 19 twice winning in the qualifiers in Canada last summer to earn a spot in World Cup 2010. Lockerbie’s innovation of according All-American status to the youths – another first for USA Cricket – simultaneously rewarded and motivated the youngsters to dream.
4. The senior team earning a midnight-hour berth into the ICC T/20 World Cup qualifiers in Abu Dabi. One of the most significant steps that Lokerbie undertook immediately after his appointment was to articulate a realistic vision for USA Cricket – something that had never been done before. One has to believe that the ICC’s decision to accord the USA a last-minute spot in Dubai is, in many ways, a reflection of the ICC’s trust and confidence in the ability of Lockerbie to deliver on his promises. How else could one explain such benevolence from the ICC whose patience was repeatedly tested, and ultimately exhausted, by a twice-suspended USACA?
5. USACA named a 40-man team last October that participated in a training camp in November – another first for USA Cricket. From these 40 players the 15-man national team was selected that went to Dubai and Nepal.
6. Initiating collaboration and cooperation with New Zealand Cricket while simultaneously preserving and seeking to build upon USA’s long term relationship with the WICB.
7. Meetings and progress being made with Lalit Modi and the IPL. 
8. Meetings and agreements reached with the Pakistan Cricket Board to play in the USA in the future.
9. The partnership with New Zealand gave us Dipak Patel, Hamish Barton and Mark Lane as coaches. Dipak Patel [pictured right] toured with Team USA in both Dubai and Nepal as “consulting coach” to Clayton Lambert.
10. The senior team topping the tables in the WCL division 5 in Nepal. Lest we forget, this was the same division that USA failed to get pass in 2008.
11. USA hosting the ICC Americas U15 tri-nation tournament last summer – another first for USA Cricket.
12. The Women’s national team to play Canada on July 4 in Toronto in a best of three series with the winner to qualify for the ICC World Qualifying Tournament.
13. The increase in the number of cricket web sites, sports journalists, and bloggers dedicated to the coverage of USA Cricket is unprecedented. This has engendered unprecedented interest, dialogue and discussion of USA Cricket – a significant step in being able to hold our elected officials accountable.
14. Cities of Indianapolis, San Jose, Houston, Nassau County and New York are expressing interest in developing cricket stadiums and hosting future world class and ICC events. Indianapolis is moving forward on design plans for such a stadium.
15. Throughout the country, coaches are seeking higher accreditation and license. "North West region now have 17 Level 1 certified coaches in our region", says Hemant Buch, regional director for NWR.
16. Youth and school’s cricket has grown leaps and bounds. In New York, under Commissioner Bassett Thompson, the school’s program has been a great success. Last year, Dr. Sham Ali, President of the highly-respected NY Cosmos Cricket Club announced that the club had initiated a program of coaching and mentoring with one of the high schools in New York. This is a trend that is sure to continue in the coming years.
17. CCA has been on the cutting edge of youth cricket for many years. The appointment of Rajendra Badadare as the national U15 coach; and the NWR, winning the national U19 championship under Coach Sujesh Pullikal, is testimony to that success.
18. Last year an unprecedented number of American players were sporting sponsorship deals with some of the top cricket equipment manufacturers
These milestones, though unprecedented, pale in comparison to the rebirth of hope that Lockerbie’s tenure inspires. Did he do it alone? Of course not.
But, by first articulating a vision and then uniting, harnessing, and finally challenging the diverse group of stakeholders, players, and fans of USA Cricket, Lockerbie has given a new lease on life to cricket in these great United States. Let us, therefore, resolve to help and support him in the unfinished work that he has thus far so selflessly advanced.
Comment on this story
Posted comments
Sorry to have to rain in this parade, but if you look at that list of accomplishments how many were brought about SPECIFICLLY by Lockerbie? Few, if any. Not being a cricket player he has nothing to do with the national teams. All the youth programs have been private initiatives outside the USACA. We're still waiting to see if this "partnership" with the Kiwis pans out or this thing with Mod. People are expecting Lockerbie to deliver on three things: (1) money (2) reaching the World Cup (3) bringing in foreign teams to entertain the ex-pats. To date, he hasn't delivered on any of these.
Tim Johnson
I like the report card idea. Give us a report card for all USACA officials plus coaches. I want see the report card on coach shiv and coach lambert.
Name withheld
The west coast got 17 qualifed coachs but only the east coast coachs gets the job. What wrong with this picture? Time for USACA must hire a top coach
Tiny Tim, California
Go USAAAAAA. Bring on the APL hollywood and cricket an unbeatable combination.
Amit C
Now that Lockebie prepare the table now watch the rats come out to steal the cheese. Big sale on rat traps whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Tony, Florida
I'm not at all surprised at the success Don has founded in only his early times in the CEO role. I've had numerous opportunities to spend time with Don and if he stays on board the USACA train....The other countries better look out. Go Red, White and Blue!
Mike Young
Fielding Coach / Australia
Assistant Coach / IPL Deccan Chargers - 2009 Champions
The progress of USACA under Don Lockerbie's leadership comes as no surprise to me. I have personally known Don from his Olympic, FIFA World Cup and ICC Cricket World Cup days. He is a galvanizing force, that knows how to plan and strategize for success. Given the proper resources and support, which the USAC Board has done ( well-done, Gentlemen), Mr. Lockerbie will continue to move the bar upwards and make Cricket in the US both relevant and successful.
The journalist who wrote this article was keen to recognize and document this progress. Well-done to you as well, Sir.
Michael Rowe-Positive Impact Management Group www.positiveimpact.net
Go USA cricket. Mr. Lockerbie dont need help cause from the useless bums. just stay out the man way.
Name withheld
Lockerbie simultaneously committed to make the USA a player [not just a candidate for a handout] on the international scene.
Man that is so true. Sham is this game in florida for real? I want make my plans early
JrJ, California
Say it with me Lockerbie lockerbie lockerbie. The IPL will attract americans to cricket. Americans like fast action, razzmatazz, results. Good move
Str8 Talkr, NY
In just a year in office Don Lockerbir has done more that what the officials in USACA (past and present) have done in the history of the organization. All they have accomplished are a few ICC suspensions and total disarray and mismanagement and chaos.
I see now that Lockerbie is doing great things, Dainty has a lot to say. What is Dainty trying to do? By making these condesending statements, is he trying to convey to people that he is somewhow involved with effecting the gains made by Lockerbie.
Dainty we are not fools. We know who works and who play hooky.
Sam Sooppersaud, NY
Dr. Samaroo, I know Lockerbie is doing a bang up job but I didnt know about all of this stuff. Watch these idiots fcuk it all up.
happyhookr, NY
"most saw the appointment as a poisoned chalice, and wondered why, in heavens name, anyone would want that job"
Exactly. Lockerbie you're a brave man sir. Keep up the good work!
Ramesh, Florida
Mr. Lockerbie is doing a wonderful job for US cricket. He is not too big to talk with us.
Name withheld
17 level 1 coaches in CA. Hey Krish how many in NY?
Paul 2, NY