The Monticello boys basketball team proved they are a class act Monday night.
In a sign of sportsmanship that often is non-existent at college and NBA levels, Monticello honored Black Hawk coach Jerry Mortimer before the Ponies 62-52 win over the Warriors Monday night.
The Ponies honored Mortimer with a plaque before the game as the 27-year coach announced plans to retire from coaching earlier this year. Monticello coach Brad Pickett knows Mortimer has made a lasting impact.
"What he has given to the Six Rivers Conference and basketball in this part of the state is unimaginable," he said. "He has definitely put Black Hawk basketball on the map."
While Mortimer may not want to be the subject of a farewell tour in every last game he plays in an opponents gym, its a refreshing sign of respect that is well deserved.
In his 27th year coaching, Mortimer has posted a 374-193 record (a 66 percent winning clip).
Its not often a devoted coach patrols the sidelines for almost three decades. In addition to coaching, Mortimer serves as Black Hawks Principal and Athletic Director.
In a sign of sportsmanship that often is non-existent at college and NBA levels, Monticello honored Black Hawk coach Jerry Mortimer before the Ponies 62-52 win over the Warriors Monday night.
The Ponies honored Mortimer with a plaque before the game as the 27-year coach announced plans to retire from coaching earlier this year. Monticello coach Brad Pickett knows Mortimer has made a lasting impact.
"What he has given to the Six Rivers Conference and basketball in this part of the state is unimaginable," he said. "He has definitely put Black Hawk basketball on the map."
While Mortimer may not want to be the subject of a farewell tour in every last game he plays in an opponents gym, its a refreshing sign of respect that is well deserved.
In his 27th year coaching, Mortimer has posted a 374-193 record (a 66 percent winning clip).
Its not often a devoted coach patrols the sidelines for almost three decades. In addition to coaching, Mortimer serves as Black Hawks Principal and Athletic Director.
