CHARLESTON — Tommy Lavelle was recently honored by the Athletic Department of Bishop England High School during the halftime of their game against Hilton Head Prep.
Longtime basketball coach at the school, Lavelle retired last year for health reasons. He coached basketball for 30 years, the last 21 spent at Bishop England. He was elected to the Hall of Fame of South Carolina Coaches, and was also president of the South Carolina High School Coaches Association.
Principal Nicholas J. Theos and Athletic Director Jack Cantey presided at the halftime ceremony. Theos, recalling that he recruited Lavelle to teach and coach at Bishop England many years ago, described him as an “excellent math teaches, and a coach with real class and elegance. He is loyal to the school, the players and the parents. He is devout in his faith, and he has brought God to his players.”
Theos noted further that Lavelle had touched the lives of many students, encouraging them in academics as well as athletics.
Jack Cantey, athletic director, president Lavelle with a replica of the Father O’Brien Gymnasium, and a travel certificate from McIntosh Travel Agency.
At the end of a close and exciting game, which Bishop England won 53 to 51, current Coach Bill Runey presented the game ball to Lavelle.