by Shawn Nowlin
Each year, the Boy Scouts of America Blue Ridge Mountains Council names its Whitney Young Award winner. To receive the prestigious honor, an individual or organization must exhibit outstanding service in the community, among other things.
Elected officials, activists, entrepreneurs and law enforcement personnel have all won the award over the years. This year’s recipient was Joe Gaither, a legendary youth basketball coach in the Roanoke Valley for nearly four decades.
The ceremony occurred on Aug. 10 in a ballroom inside the Salem Civic Center. Shiloh Baptist Church, Heywood Fralin, Shelby Dickerson, First Citizens Banks, Andre Perry and Sherman Lea Jr. were this year’s table sponsors.
Gaither’s right hand for many years at William Fleming High, Coach William “Boo Boo” Pannell, was among the many familiar faces in attendance which included several former players.
“The Bible says that ‘he who finds a wife, finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.’ Bernice, my wife of more than 50 years, is my good thing. I’m grateful for the support and loyalty she has given me over the years. From washing uniforms to making hotel arrangements, she’s done everything to help put our young men in a position to showcase their skills,” he said.
One had to be of a certain ilk to play for Coach Gaither. His no-nonsense approach got results more often than not. He had a saying that all of his former players are all too familiar with – “Hard work beats talent, when talent fails to work hard.”
“Back in the day, you weren’t just a coach. If they messed up in school, sometimes we had to go to the school,” he added. “Wherever they showed out is where they got wore-out. Things have certainly changed over the years.”
One of the Star City’s greatest high school basketball players, former Virginia Cavalier standout Curtis Staples, thanked Coach Gaither for shaping him into the man that he is today. “Whenever Coach is in town, he has to stay with me. I won’t let him stay in a hotel. For 35 years he has been by my side, every step of the way. He deserves every accolade he’s received because he’s put so much time into the young men in this community who look like me.”
More than 1,000 combined AAU and high school basketball victories are on Coach Gaither’s resume. That includes defeating JJ Redick when he was a Parade All-American at Cave Spring High. While the victories and championships are great, Coach Gaither’s legacy goes far beyond the X’s and O’s.
“As I look around this room, there are so many young men that I can remember. Seeing them turn into successful fathers and leaders makes my heart so proud. God has given me the longevity to see you guys grow up. For me, this award is much bigger than basketball. It’s about having a positive impact in the lives of young men.”
