Mullins wishes coach happy birthday

Mullins basketball head coach Mark Gerald couldn’t hide his surprise, and delight, sitting on the front row of a turnout with more than 250 people, in the high school gymnasium.

“I never expected anything like this,” he said of the “red carpet treatment.” The celebration attracted the crowd from all over the map, who came to show their appreciation through kind words, a comedy roast, song, and dance.

Gerald is entering his 19th year as head coach of the Auctioneer varsity basketball team. The former varsity quarterback also played “Aucs basketball” as an eighth grader. His daughter Jessica donned the #10 uniform as an all-state star. His son Jarod, a South Carolina Mr. Basketball candidate, won a Class 2A state championship as an eighth grader.

Described by many as a humble character, reserved, thoughtful and a good decision maker, Gerald was recognized on the floor of the House of Representatives in Washington D.C. and Columbia. On behalf of U.S. Congressman Jim Clyburn, Kenny Barnes presented a copy of the Sept. 24, 2008 recorded remarks.

Sen. Kent Williams, Sen. Dick Elliott, Mullins City Council members and Marion County Council members all made presentations to the famed coach, also making a proclamation of Oct. 4 being officially known as Mark Gerald Day.

Marion County Council member Milton Troy II presided over the ceremony, making remarks on coach Gerald’s memorable games, his impact on his players and dedication to his alma mater.

“Gerald has a commitment and a calling to young people,” Marion School District 2 Superintendent Nathaniel Miller said.

Mullins High School principal Ted Greene said Gerald is a vital part of the school’s faculty and administration.

Since his arrival 22 years ago, he has served as instructor and athletic director. He is now an assistant principal and head boy’s basketball coach. “As a coach, his record speaks for itself. He builds men out of boys with character and integrity development. His team will not embarrass you. They win with humility and when a loss occurs, it is with dignity,” Greene said.

Family friend and former teammate since little league, Steve Smith and Gerald each graduated from Fayetteville State University. “You had to have a lot of heart to play for Coach Henry Byrd as a senior. You definitely needed tremendous heart to play for him as an 8th grader. But that is what Mark did. And he did not just wear a jersey. But he started from the time he got there until he graduated,” Smith said of the state all-star.

Smith also is a state championship winning coach, taking two titles at Latta High School.

One of the organizers of the event Misty Lewis read a letter from Gov. Mark Sanford, commending the coach on what he called an enduring commitment and dedication. The coach that connects so well with young people for his leadership and motivation was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2007.

However, Gerald persevered through everything associated with the treatment process. In the meantime, he and his wife of 25 years, Diane, welcomed the addition of a second grandson, Jaden, and coached his team to an undefeated regular season and lower state championship final.

His wife called the celebration a joyful moment and Gerald added, “It’s a trying time ... but I feel good, and as long as I feel good, I’m going to try and coach this year.” He added that after treatment, he looks forward to getting on to his normal life.

“You are a true champion and inspiration to others,” Sen. Dick Elliott said. Legendary Terrell’s Bay coach Taft Watson said Gerald was another addition to his family and that Gerald is successful at every phase of the game.

“You don’t have to win a game to be a winner,” he said. Gerald joins the ranks of Marion County coaches such as a Fred Senter, Jerry Coleman, and Watson, for their popularity throughout the state and with a record number of victories.

The guy that players call “Money Gerald,” averages 20 wins per season. “Coach Gerald is a great coach,” Marion varsity boy’s basketball coach Pete Ellis said. “To have created a great program that has posted championships for decades is something that is not easily accomplished in this day and age. In meeting and getting to know coach I have found out he is a person of integrity, pride, and great competitiveness, all the while maintaining a sense of humility.”

Assistant coach and Mullins JV coach Kelvin Edwards said, “Coach is my mentor. I played on the JV squad for coach back in '88 and he's the same today as he was then. Just being under his tutelage these past few years has had a tremendous impact on how I view the game. Coach once told me as a player, that point guards should see the entire court. I've taken that philosophy to coaching. I now see the whole court.”

Gerald’s positive influence, and his willingness to give all he can to help his students and athletes draws rave reviews from his former players.

“Coach Gerald exists as an anomaly in a society where very few positive black male role models exist. He excels at this without even trying. His ability to win basketball games is the least of his talents,” Eric Troy said, adding that the state respects him as an exceptional basketball coach, Marion County respects him for his coaching abilities and work in the community, Mullins acknowledges him as a hometown hero, an inspirational father, a loving husband, an excellent coach, and a living legend.

“I know without a doubt that the progressions of my life, my profession, my discipline, my work ethic, my passion and love for what I do is a direct result of coach Mark Gerald,” Radford University men’s basketball assistant coach Cedric Smith said. Smith was a former all-state player and record holder at South Florida University.

“Coach Gerald was hard but fair. He was hands down the best coach I ever played for,” Alex White said.

John Paul Sellers said “unlike most coaches who use you to win, and then forget about you after you graduate, coach Gerald cares about your life first and your basketball career second ... He also knew who needed basketball to further their studies or career and who would go on to do other things. Nonetheless, he showed no favoritism or distinction. He helped those who could continue their basketball career and he stayed in contact with all those who were able to stay in contact with.”

Tim Troy said, “Playing for coach Gerald was a joy, an honor and a privilege. His motivational speeches and knowledge of the game let you know that you were playing for a winner. He was the type of coach that had the upmost respect from all of his players and was also able to relate to them on a friendly level.”

Russell Grainger calls Gerald the cornerstone of Aucs boy’s basketball. “He is always more concerned with the well being of his players in the class room than on the court. Education always comes first. For a player like me who was never the best on the team he always pushed me to do better and he appreciated the heart and determination I put into the team and the effort I made to get better,” Jerry Mason said.

“I've always looked up to Coach Gerald, he's a role model, a winner on and off the court, a man who has built a tradition with Mullins Auctioneers Basketball, Jebb McMillan said.

“I would like to take this time to say coach, my friend I love you and appreciate all that you have done for me and our great community. I’m proud to say with great honor and Aucs pride, that I am a product of your cloth, and I will continue to work diligently to prepare our youth as you have taught and drilled in me to carry the torch of Aucs pride on,” said Dawani “Big Nasty” Fladger, a member of Gerald’s 1997 state championship team.

The Saturday afternoon event featured tons of gifts and a special luncheon with music performed by the “soulful” sounds of Enchantment. Clifton Davis, Kira Page, Mack Page, Sharonda Ellerbe and Jaron Graham also performed.

Speakers also included former coach Charles Elvington, Aynor Coach Myron Gerald, Judge Levon Graves, Jean Allman, Florence Foxworth and Michael Jenkins. A number of his current and former players made it to the party. Auctioneer basketball players Jamorris Reaves, Stacy Wilson, and Donte Cooper provided the comedy relief with impersonations of their beloved coach during practice time and in the locker room.