Court named for legendary CCHS coach

“Never in my life did I think I’d see my name on this floor.”

Those were the words of former Clay County High School Lady Tiger basketball coach Donnie Gray Saturday as school officials unveiled his logo.

With tears in his eyes, surrounded by his family in the private ceremony, Gray was humbled and thankful.

“I just never thought something like this would happen,” the legendary coach who brought a state championship home to Clay County in 1989 said.

The coach was under the impression he was coming to the high school to help on the museum being constructed.  He had no idea until he walked into the gymnasium where his children and grandchildren were waiting for him.

“What are you all doing here?” he said.  

The coach then looked at the floor and saw his name.  He immediately broke down into tears.

“I just can’t believe this,” he said.  “I am truly honored and thankful for this honor.”

Superintendent William Sexton said the honor was much deserved.

“We wanted to do something special to honor Coach Gray and his accomplishments for not only our school but our county,” Sexton said.  “We discussed this with a committee and unanimously agreed to name the court after him.”

Gray’s children, Kendra Hooker, and James Gray said words could not be said about how much this means to their father.

“Our father loves Clay County and our sports programs,” Hooker said.  “He has dedicated most of his life to it.  To have his name on this court…I cannot say how much this means to him, our mother Beverly, and his entire family.”

James Gray echoed those sentiments.

“We cannot thank those involved in bestowing this honor on our father enough,” he said.  “With everything he is going through right now, this means so much to show how his work and accomplishments are appreciated.”

Coach Gray found out several months ago he has leukemia and is undergoing treatment at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center.

Coach Gray said he made this comment many, many years ago.

“I said if I ever had the court named after me, I would kiss it,” he said as tears filled his eyes again.  “I’m a man of my word.”

The coach got on his hands and knees and kissed his signature as a flood of emotions overcame him.

CCHS Athletic Director Tom Nicholson said the honor was one of the best things he had ever been a part of.

“Donnie Gray is a legend in girls’ basketball in this state,” he said.  “He has accomplished so much as a coach, but to see his reaction today, for us to show him how much we appreciate his work, is very moving.”

Gray was head coach for 21 years at Clay County High School and finished with a record of 501-123, ranking 14th for all-time wins in Kentucky.

His team won the state championship in 1989, finishing as runner-up in 1992 and a state semi-finalist in 1993.  He won nine 13th region titles and 12 49th district titles.