All across America, ballparks, courts and arenas often bear the name of some storied coach or legendary athlete. These men and women often have been the focal point of some moment of glory or some towering achievement which elevates them to legendary status.

However, tonight at Barr-Reeve High School, they will dedicate their basketball court to a man who is self-described as “role player.” He is someone who may consider himself more in the shadows of Vikings’ enormous success on the hardwood, but for those who know him and his accomplishments, a word like “foundation” may be more accurate.

Tonight, the floor that has seen so much success, will officially get a new name — Kavanaugh Kourt — named after long-time teacher, mentor and coach Charles Albert Kavanaugh.

And the funny thing is, basketball is just a small part of the honor.

Kavanaugh, 69, hopes the renaming of the court brings attention to how service and dedication to one’s school and community are just as important as the wins and losses of a coach.

“I’m just humbled by this. The goodness, kindness, support, friendship and inspiration of this place is just humbling, and I’m just glad to have been a part of it. I accept this, and don’t know if I deserve it, but accept this honor in the name of all those who have been a part of the Barr-Reeve story for all these years,” said Kavanaugh.

Kavanaugh’s tireless work at so many levels of the basketball program, athletic department and school will be recognized with a plaque on the wall near where he has served as the emcee for so many memorable nights of Viking basketball. The floor also received a new graphic this summer that will keep Kavanaugh’s name prominently displayed in a place where his efforts have been showcased through the skills of those who received his tutelage on countless Saturday mornings.

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