Family, friends, former students attend Gamble, McKinney Court dedication

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Special to the News

 

The Belyeu Gym floor at Central Coosa was recently resurfaced, which provided an opportunity to commemorate the school’s five state basketball championships on the new floor, which includes stars at the free throw line for the 1995, 2000, 2001, 2004, and 2019 State Championship titles.

The resurfacing also presented an opportunity to honor two decades-long coaches who served the students of Coosa County by naming the court in honor of Coach Doris Gamble and Coach Calvin McKinney.

The court dedication started with gym namesake, former coach and Board of Education member Joe Belyeu welcoming the attendees and recognizing the public servants in attendance.

The invocation was provided by pastor Joey Belyeu of Paradise Mission Full Gospel Church, and Board of Education President Tiffany McCain sang the national anthem. County Commissioner Brandon Davis presented the honorees with a proclamation from the Coosa County Commission.

Central High School principal Brandi Lee shared the multitude of accomplishments of coaches Gamble and McKinney during their tenure with Coosa County Schools.

Gamble served the students of Coosa County for 40 years. Outside of her teaching responsibilities as both an elementary and high school physical education teacher, Gamble coached volleyball for 39 years with multiple Area Championships, as well as an Elite 8 appearance and State Tournament appearance, with multiple players being awarded volleyball scholarships throughout her tenure.

In addition, Gamble coached softball for three years and basketball for eight years, including an Area Championship title. She closed out her career at Central Coosa by serving as the athletic director for five years.

Coach Calvin McKinney served the students of Coosa County for 39 years. McKinney served as the football coach for 12 years. He also served as the baseball coach, leading two teams to Area Championships and Final Four appearances.

It was as the coach for girls basketball over the course of his tenure that he found the most success, leading multiple teams to the Area Championships, Regional Championships and the Final Four. McKinney also served as an assistant principal and closed out his career at Central Coosa by serving as the director of the Career Tech Center.

Former students Marceia Mitchell, Kim Doyle Moncrief, Veronica Benson Wilson, Syreeta McKinney, Jenny Gravette Kimbrell, Sondra Moon Williams, and Alexis McKinney Hines led the attendees down memory lane as they reflected on the positive influence coaches Gamble and McKinney had on their life, not only as students, but lessons they have carried into adulthood, as well.

A resounding theme throughout the reflections was that not only did Coach Gamble and Coach McKinney train the students athletically, they also instilled character and emphasized academics.

Superintendent of Education David Stover then led the attendees in unveiling the new court name inscription, Gamble and McKinney Court.

The two honorees then had an opportunity to share what the school system and court dedication meant to them, as well as reflecting on their decades of interaction with the students of Coosa County.

Stover closed out the ceremony with congratulations and thanks, and the attendees enjoyed refreshments to celebrate the day.

Details on the annual basketball alumni game to be held later this summer on the new Gamble-McKinney Court will be shared soon.