Hendersonville High School Alumni Association News

TRIBUTE TO COACH JIM PARDUE

May 2007 - Smiles, hugs, tears, handshakes and accolades were bestowed on legendary HHS basketball coach Jim Pardue in a surprise ceremony May 19. Former players and friends poured out of the gym stands upon his arrival to share memories with the coach and tell him how much he impacted their lives on and off the court. "You're the reason I'm here," said Pardue as more than 100 people gave him a standing ovation. "I appreciate all you guys did for me." Coach Pardue is suffering from lung and bone cancer and currently undergoing radiation treatments, said his wife and biggest fan, Rosie. Coach Pardue led the Bearcats basketball program from 1965 to 1984, posting 391 wins against 98 losses, 10 District 8 tournament championships, 10 trips to the state playoffs, and a 3-A State title in 1972. He never had a losing season, won 20 or more games 12 times, had undefeated regular seasons in 1978 (28-0) and 1980 (25-0) and posted a remarkable 298 to 43 won-lost record from 1968-1980. "Jim Pardue is one of the greatest coaches I have ever coached against, high school or college," said former Owen High and current North Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams from his Chapel Hill office recently. "Not only is he a great coach, he's a terrific individual." Coach Pardue also had a knack for winning on the baseball diamond as well. As the head coach from 1957-1978, he guided HHS to a baseball state title in 1964 and a runner-up spot in 1970. A bronze plaque of the coach will be placed in the gym lobby with the engraved words "A true Bearcat all the way". A plaque dedicated to the coach will also be placed on a column of the new Dietz Field fencing. If you would like to send well wishes to the coach, you can mail them to 414 Comet Drive, Hendersonville, NC, 28791.

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