SANFORD, NC - Last night, in front of a large crowd of family, friends and Southern Lee Cavalier supporters, Lee County Schools and Southern Lee honored one of the pillars of the school’s athletic department by naming the court in the school’s main gymnasium in his honor. Men’s Basketball Coach Gaston Collins has spent more than 20 years at the school, most of that time as the school’s head coach, and he was completely surprised by the honor just ahead of his team’s Carolina Pines 6A Conference Game against Harnett Central.
“I was totally shocked and surprised,” said Collins, who believed that his family had surprised him and showed up for him to be recognized for his 300th career win, which had come in late January. “I was just trying to get the guys ready for our game, but when they called me back to the court, I can’t really describe the feeling.”
Known for his steady dedication and consistent drive to help students improve while developing the foundational relationships and life skills that set up his former players to be outstanding leaders in their respective homes, jobs, and communities, Collins was reunited with nearly 40 former players who managed to make it to the rescheduled surprise ceremony. Their desire to show up for the man who showed up for them over the course of their high school careers is a wonderful testament to the impact of Collins’ efforts during his two-decade stint at Southern Lee.
“I thank God,” indicated Collins as he explained the motivation and goal behind his 20-plus seasons at the school. “I have been blessed with a great family and some pretty wonderful basketball players who bought into what we are trying to do. I’m proud because I believe I never compromised my integrity trying to do it the way we do it in our program. We get guys to come in, to work hard - we are not always the most naturally talented or the biggest - but they show up and work hard. That’s what makes me proud.”
“Gaston Collins exemplifies dedication, leadership and integrity in his dual role as a basketball coach and teacher at Southern Lee.” said Amy Lundy, who is in her second year as the principal at the school. “As a coach, his leadership has helped elevate the basketball program through consistent success, player development and a culture that emphasizes character as much as performance. His dedication to mentorship and education makes a lasting impact on the Southern Lee community, shaping not only skilled athletes, but responsible, confident young adults.”
Athletic Director Tommy Harrington agreed, “On behalf of the Southern Lee Athletic Department, we are thrilled to have our court named for Gaston Collins. He has worked hard over the more than 20 years he has led the Men’s Basketball program. More than the 300 wins, conference titles and playoff appearances, Coach Collins has touched the lives of his players and been such an influential role model. That’s what truly makes him special and we owe him a great deal of thanks.”
Superintendent Dr. Chris Dossenbach echoed their sentiments, highlighting Collins commitment to students as the driving force behind his success. “I had the privilege of working alongside him as a classroom teacher and later for six years as principal of Southern Lee. I witnessed firsthand the impact he has had on generations of students,” Dossenbach added. “Coach Collins has always treated his players like his own sons - holding them to high standards, teaching them how to compete, and, most importantly, pouring into them the character, discipline, and integrity required to become great men, husbands, and fathers. Naming the Southern Lee basketball court ‘Collins Court’ is a fitting tribute to a coach, mentor, and leader whose influence will be felt in this community for decades to come.”
Longtime Assistant Coach under Collins, Joe Beck, now retired but still active in his support of Cavalier Athletics, initially approached Dossenbach and Lundy with the idea to rename the court in honor of his long-time colleague. Beck told the gathered crowd at the game, “It was the easiest decision to pursue, because when I approached Mrs. Lundy and Dr. Dossenbach, they had seen your impact first hand and were in full support and agreement.”
“I tell my former players all the time, that the only reason I can be what I am is because of them,” indicated Collins. “To see those guys come back, I had to fight back some tears, I couldn’t let them see me cry! I get the most joy out of seeing those guys come back and see them be productive members of society with wives and children. The wins and losses are good, but to know that I have had an impact in the lives of those players and they are making a difference means everything to me.”