ATHENS —
After a career which spanned 42 years and 809 wins at Trinity Valley Community College, former coach Leon “Red” Spencer now has his name officially engraved at Cardinal Gym.
In a ceremony on Saturday, Leon Spencer Court was dedicated at halftime of the TVCC Lady Cardinals’ game against the rival Tyler Junior College Apache Ladies.
Spencer was given a framed photo by TVCC President Dr. Glendon Forgey before addressing the crowd.
“I gave my best speeches back there in the locker room,” Spencer said as the crowd roared with laughter. “When I do have to speak like this I don’t say much.”
The court was unveiled by Spencer’s daughters, Shelly Jones and Shannon Johnson, along with former assistant coaches Guy Furr and Danny Hughes.
The ceremony also included TVCC board trustees Ray Raymond, Paula Kimbell and Ken McGee, along with Forgey and men’s basketball coach Kris Baumann. Several of Spencer’s former players also showed up in support and sat in the crowd for the ceremony.
Prior to the designation, athletic director Brad Smiley announced, “On this 9th day of February in 2013, we officially dedicate this court to be Leon Spencer Court at Cardinal Gym in honor of the legendary Leon Spencer.”
Spencer was inducted into the Cardinal Hall of Fame in 2008 as a member of the first induction class. He was also inducted into the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.
Spencer led the Cardinals to 13 conference championships and three regional titles.
Local News
Related Photos
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Leon Spencer speaks to the large crowd on hand Saturday as the basketball court at Trinity Valley Community College is officially dedicated in his name. Spencer, who coached at TVCC for 42 years, retired with the most wins in Texas JUCO history. Joe Elerson/Athens Review
Discussion
Big Red, big honor
Court officially dedicated in name of longtime coach
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