Real success comes from enriching the lives of other people.
That was the message Dean Lockwood, associate head coach of the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team, shared with more than 100 people at the third annual Power of the Y Luncheon, held June 21 at the Square Room of Café 4 on Market Square. Money raised from the luncheon will benefit the Lindsay Young Downtown Y’s Annual Campaign.
Lockwood said the Y enriches lives every day. He drew parallels between the Y, legendary basketball coach Pat Summitt and James Naismith, who invented the game as a 30-year-old YMCA physical education teacher in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1891.
“They were two people working in the service of others,” Lockwood said of the pair, whom he called “authentic, humble people.”
He said Summitt, whose teams won eight national championships, appeared in 22 Final Fours in 38 years and won 1,098 games, was most proud of the 100 percent graduation rate of her players.
“It wasn’t about her,” Lockwood said. “Coaching was a vehicle to enrich the lives of others.”
Lockwood, who began going to the Y when he was “8 or 9 years old” in Bay City, Michigan, said he still works out there when he visits his hometown.
Bob Kesling, director of broadcasting for University of Tennessee Athletics, spoke about being a Y camp counselor in the late 1960s and being inspired by a young man who didn’t let the loss of a leg keep him from fully participating in activities. He urged the audience to support the Y, and to encourage their friends to do the same.
“It’s important to educate our downtown community on the countless ways the Y helps the people in our community that need us the most,” said Jim Dickson, president and CEO of the YMCA of East Tennessee. “From summer camp to swim lessons to providing fresh organic produce, the Y is able to support families in the Knoxville community and help children discover and reach their full potential.”
Jim Dickson, president and CEO of the YMCA of East Tennessee, and Jerry Vaughn, who received the Lindsay Young Role Model Award.
Jerry Vaughn received the Lindsay Young Role Model Award. He was introduced by Dave Burns, last year’s winner. Knoxville Fellow Daniel Henson gave the invocation and music was provided by Josiah Atchley. Lunch was donated by Café 4.
To learn more about the Y, visit www.ymcaknoxville.org or call 865-525-9622.
Thanks to Terry Shaw for filing this report.