Preston Honored at Charlotte Valley Central

By Liz Page

DAVENPORT – They traveled from far and wide to honor someone who has coached for more than 50 years at Charlotte Valley Central School. Ray Preston retired from teaching in 2006, but he continued to coach until last February. "It was a good time. At the end of the season last February I said I was going to retire from coaching basketball," said Preston.

The celebration of his coaching was no surprise, he said, because it was all over Facebook. What did surprise him was how many of his former players returned and how far some of them had traveled.

Preston served as a teacher, athletic director, coach, friend and CVCS Supporter. He coached Section IV Soccer champions in 1988, 2004 and 2008. He retired from coaching soccer a few years back.

He coached girls Section IV basketball champions in 1981, 1982, 1983,1984, 1992, 1997, 2009 and 2010

Over his tenure his teams won 28 division championships, nine sectional titles, he was inducted into the Section IV Hall of Fame and the New York State Hall of Fame. He posted 700 wins.

"The school did a really nice job," said Preston. Current Superintendent Eric Whipple said few kind words and then his father, longtime former superintendent Ron Whipple, said a few more words.

Preston is considered a fixture at CVCS, shaping the lives of many young athletes and he has left an unforgettable impact on CVCS athletes, both on and off the court.

The Ray Preston Basketball Tournament had been going on for a few years now. It's kind of a tradition there at Charlotte Valley. There's the Lee Fisher Boys Basketball Tournament, the Chic Walshe Soccer Tournament and the Doug Calhoun Baseball Tournament.

"It really is nice to have a tournament named after you," he said. He now also has his name on the gymnasium floor, along with Lee Fisher, another beloved basketball coach. He said Lee's name has been on the floor for a few years now.

His wife, Evelyn, has been there with him, along with the rest of his family, many of them on hand for the celebration.

"There's a new banner and a new plaque. The school really did do a nice job," he said.

But the thing that most stood out, were those who turned out. "There were 34 former players who came." Some came from as far away as Florida and California. "That was just awesome. As well as their parents, fans and my family. It really was just awesome."

"I have always considered myself very fortunate. I have had good kids. Kids who wanted to work hard and to win games.

He has also always admired the fans at Charlotte Valley where you will see members of the community come out to watch a game when they have no children or grandchildren playing. It speaks of the community and its support our athletics. "I have always been very grateful for that."

Preston received cards, emails and letters as well, many from those who wanted to be there but couldn't be. They included coaches, former coaches, referees and others.

When he said he had coached his last basketball game last February, he was given a nice plaque at the sports banquet. "They gave me a really nice plaque."

But last week's tribute kind of helped put an exclamation point on all those years willingly dedicated to coaching, mentoring, helping and teaching.

One of his former players said she wouldn't miss the celebration."It was a privilege playing for you." He finally coached her daughter in summer basketball program and she said she enjoyed every minute of it. She called him a staple in her life, like the lives of so many others.

Preston is responsible for helping set up many for success and to leave a lasting impression on young lives and an impact on sports and young athletes. "Making the walls at CVCS pound with excitement," according to Eric Whipple, who presented him with a plaque at the sports banquet last year. He has not only had a significant impact on basketball, but also life lessons, dedication, pride and responsibility. He has demonstrated an "unwavering spirit and dedication to the sport".

And so, Preston got to chat with those who attended the special celebration and reception following last week's annual Preston Tournament.

Preston thanked everyone for all their kind words and support. "I am so blessed," he wrote on his Facebook page.