North Carolina Wesleyan unveils “Don Scalf Court”

Rocky Mount, NC - Donald L. Scalf, retired North Carolina Wesleyan coach, athletics director, educator, and local sports icon, learned Friday that yet another honor has been bestowed upon him. With a host of friends and former players in attendance, Scalf was ushered into Everett Gymnasium for the unveiling of “Don Scalf Court.” Scalf was not told of the naming until Friday and was truly surprised by the Taylor Center luncheon held in his honor.

Guests included Dr. and Mrs. Stanley Caine, Athletics Hall of Fame member Lloyd Nelson, now a College trustee, and Michael Pratt, headmaster at the Rocky Mount Preparatory School.  Nelson and Pratt were joined by two other Scalf products, Tom Davis and Ray Freeman.

Considered one of the College’s most outstanding associates, Scalf came to Wesleyan in 1962 as a physical education instructor.  He went on to serve the College for 36 years while coaching a variety of sports.  Additionally, he was the second Director of Athletics in Bishops history, a position which he held for six years. 

During his Wesleyan tenure, Scalf organized Wesleyan’s intercollegiate basketball and volleyball programs, serving as the first head coach in each sport and leading Wesleyan to its first basketball conference championship during the 1965-66 season.  All of his efforts and accolades culminated with his being named to Wesleyan’s inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame class in 1999.

As a coach, Scalf produced fellow Hall of Fame members Roger Taylor, Don Hines, and the aforementioned Nelson.  He also coached Pratt, who organized the initiative to have the court bear Scalf’s signature. Pratt, along with several former players and friends of the College, wished to recognize Scalf’s many contributions to both the Department of the Athletics and to the College as a whole.

“What a great tribute to a great coach who has touched so many people,” said Pratt. “This is just the right thing to do.”

“It’s a tribute to a first coach that is well-deserved,” added Nelson.

Thus, Don Scalf Court will now play home to Battling Bishop volleyball and basketball.  His signature is proudly placed along each sideline and will serve as a memorial to the man who dedicated so many years of service to North Carolina Wesleyan.

The formal dedication of the court will take place November 22 at the First Annual Eastern North Carolina Basketball Classic.