South Central High School’s gymnasium is now officially “Gary L. Shirley” Gymnasium following a ceremony on Saturday night, before South Central’s game with Flora. Speaking on the Sports Connection on Saturday morning, South Central Coach Rick Simmons says other knew Coach Shirley as a great coach. But, those close to him know there was even more to the man.
Coach Shirley was a basketball coach for 26 years (6 at Kinmundy-Alma and 20 at South Central) compiling a record of 520-200 during that time, winning 10 regional titles and one sectional title. Coach Shirley passed away in the summer of 2014.