Al Gooden Gets Win No. 500
Former Heritage, Harding and New Haven b-ball coach is a great coach and ambassador of the game
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By Keith Edmonds
Of Fort Wayne Ink Spot
I think it’s important to recognize greatness when it occurs, which is why I’m honoring Fort Wayne’s own Al Gooden, who recently set Indiana basketball history by becoming the first Black basketball coach to secure 500 wins. The former Heritage, New Haven and Paul Harding coach is now at Lawrence Central High School, where he’s posted a 107-49 record over seven seasons.
Coach Gooden won five semi-state titles and one state championship with Harding. He’s not only one of the state’s best coaches, but he’s also one of the game’s best ambassadors.
As a coach, I competed against his great Harding programs during his time in Fort Wayne. I have always respected him for not only putting highly competitive teams on the floor but, teaching me as a fellow black coach the importance of making sure that my players carry themselves with dignity, honor, and respect as they represent their family, school, and basketball program in a dignified manner.
As a standout player at Wayne, Gooden is often mentioned among the best basketball players to come out of Fort Wayne. He played at Ball State University, graduating in 1981. In my opinion, basketball goes far beyond what he has done for his players during his now 33 seasons as a head coach. Al Gooden has developed young boys into men. His players and programs have always been respected for their off-court presence as well as on the court.
Gooden has been fortunate to coach Indiana All-Stars Jake LaRavia (2019), D’Andre Davis Jr. (2020) and Nijel Pack (2020), and Kyle Guy, Indiana’s 2016 Mr. Basketball and a member of the 2019 University of Virginia’s national champion team. There are so many more players and assistant coaches to name that we could go on for many pages.
I had a chance to speak with him just days after his team beat Decatur Central on Jan. 12 to seal his 500th win.
Edmonds: Congratulations on reaching such a tremendous plateau. Has it set in yet on what this means for you?
Gooden: To accomplish something like this takes a lot of help from others who have been a part of this journey for over 30 years. What it says to me is that I have had some talented players, teams and dedicated coaches that have helped me to become successful in this game.
Edmonds: What about the historical perspective of being the first black head basketball coach to reach 500 wins?
Gooden: What this means is that hopefully, I’m paving the way for other black men to become head coaches as others have done for me. A. C. Eldridge (former Northrop head coach) encouraged me early in my career to work hard and be true to who you are, and hopefully, I’m encouraging the same for others in this game.
Edmonds: You mentioned your assistant coaches for helping you get to this point in your career. How important have they been in your successes as a coach?
Gooden: I’ve had great assistants like J. J, Foster (South Side) and Bruce Stephens (New Haven) who helped me get to this point. They worked just as hard with the kids as I have. I know that I get a lot of credit, but those guys know how much they mean to me. There’s not an Al Gooden or 500 wins without their help. What’s really great is that they have gone on to become successful head coaches themselves, which is something that I’m proud of too!
Edmonds: What’s one aspect of coaching that has guided you as a head coach for 30-plus years?
Gooden: I would say building relationships has been most important. I’ve had so many players call, attend games or reach out to me not just during this time but throughout my career. Players make the game fun for me. Seeing them grow and get better and become mature as young men make coaching special.
Edmonds: When will you know when to step aside and hang up the whistle?
Gooden: I’ll know that it’s time to do something else when it’s no longer fun to go to practice and work with them. As long as it’s fun, I’ll continue to do this.”
I think that sums it up well. Coach Gooden has touched the lives of many players, coaches, students and schools that he’s worked for, and he’s done it with class and dignity. I’ve enjoyed our battles as coaches — and even an occasional round of golf. A special place in Indiana’s Hall of Fame awaits and it could not go to a better man.
Congratulations, coach, on a job, well done!