A fond farewell to former West Aurora High School boys head basketball coach Gordon Kerkman for fans, coaches, and former players was held Monday, May 23 in the School cafeteria.
His 39 years as head coach, which followed 14 years as an assistant coach, prior to retirement, was warmly received in a 90-minute presentation. Bruce Firchau of the Illinois Basketball coaches Association (IBCA) was the emcee, to which Kerkman was elected.
Guest speakers were former opposing head coaches, Jim Harrington, Elgin, and Jim Roberts, Batavia, and Neal Ormond, Aurora radio and television broadcaster, and a president of the West Aurora Boosters Club. Kerkman thank his wife and three children, all in attendance.
Other speakers were former players, successor, Brian Johnson, School athletic director, Jason Buckley, and sports writer, Kevin McGavin.
—Al Benson