SAC'S WILLIAMS NAMED BIGHOUSE GAINES UNSUNG HERO AWARD RECIPIENT
June 21, 2008
CARY, NC - Legendary coach George Williams of Saint Augustine's
College was one of eight recipients of the Clarence "Bighouse"
Gaines Unsung Hero Award on Friday evening (June 20) during the
Bighouse Gaines Unsung Hero Scholarship Awards Gala at the Embassy
Suites Hotel.
The Gala is a black tie event which recognizes outstanding
individuals for their achievements in education and athletics, for
their positive impact on the youth, and for promoting higher
advantages in education for young people.
Williams, the 2004 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Coach, has won many
accolades during an outstanding 32-year coaching career which
includes 30 NCAA Division II National Track and Field Championships
at Saint Augustine's College, but this award ranks among the best.
The honor is named after the late Winston-Salem State legend who
ranks among the winningest collegiate basketball coaches in NCAA
history.
"This goes on the top shelf," says Williams, who led the Falcons to
the 2008 NCAA National Men's Indoor Track and Field Title. "This is
the most profound award I have won. It is named after a person who
I loved and cherished. Bighouse was a mentor and a good
friend."
Bethel Burton, the founding member of the Unsung Hero Award, says
Williams deserves the honor.
"He's made such a large impact on Saint Augustine's College,
Winston-Salem State and other schools," Burton said. "This is
another way of saying we love him."
The other Unsung Hero honorees were Devaldean Penn, Mary Wells
Harley, Vivienne Brown Conley, Carl Green, Tim Grant, Donald
Cureton and Monte Ross.
The Lady of Honor Award went to Bighouse's wife Clara B. Gaines and
the Public Service Award went to famed attorney Julius Chambers,
the former N.C. Central chancellor. The Corporate Award went to
Anthony "Tony" Duke and the Education Award went to Dr. LeRoy
Walker, Sr., the former N.C. Central track and field coaching
great.
The Gala was held by the Winston-Salem State University Alumni
Association.
