Head coach gets highest honor

Football field, day dedicated in his name

Head Football Coach C.J. Hamilton has put his time and effort into the high school and the town for 33 years. During his career, he has led the football team to countless victories and boosted school spirit to unreachable heights.

After affecting layer upon layer of the community, Hamilton is being recognized by both the city and the school.

Today, Aug. 31, has been officially proclaimed “C.J. Hamilton Day.” The decision was made at the last city council meeting on Aug. 20.

Mayor Mac Smith commented on the special occasion.

“We wanted to thank C.J. for all he has done for this community,” Smith stated. “We just think the world of him and wanted to do something special for him.”

According to the official proclamation of the City Council of Silver Lake, “…he has amassed an amazing record of 282 wins and 76 losses. Furthermore, has won 61 state tournament playoff games, while losing only 19…he has coached more than 500 high school athletes…In honor and support of his positive influence on youths in and around the City of Silver Lake, we proclaim today, Friday August 31, 2007 as ‘C.J. Hamilton Day.’”

The last time the City Council named a day after an individual in the community was in 2004 when they celebrated an official “Bill Ross Day.” Ross served as principal of the grade school for 17 years.

Only a few can say that they know how it feels to have a day named after them. Hamilton appreciated the acknowledgement, but also felt that many other people deserved recognition.

“I appreciate what the people have done, my assistant coaches, the parents, and obviously the players that made it happen,” Hamilton said. “Too many people are a part of that just to have my name on it, but I’m definitely honored because of it.”

The school board members also gave their thanks to the dedicated coach by naming the newly renovated football field after him.

The school board’s proclamation reads, “Whereas, USD 372, Silver Lake, Kansas is committed to promoting and recognizing excellence in its students, faculty and staff…Therefore, the USD 372 Board of Education, by unanimous decision on June 13, 2007 hereby recognizes this dedication and thereby proclaims this field ‘C.J. Hamilton Field.’”

Hamilton had similar feelings about this additional tribute.

“It’s humbling, and it’s appreciated,” Hamilton explained. “But at the same time, there’s a whole lot of people that deserve a piece of the pie.”

The recognition ceremony will take place tonight at 6:40 p.m. before the season opener.

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