Family, Railer Family, and friends celebrate latest honor for Coach Neil Alexander

[January 08, 2018]  Even knowing what was coming, Lincoln coach Neil Alexander tried to keep himself out of the spotlight. But, as the Lincoln Community High School administration began the ceremony that would dedicate and name the court at Roy S. Anderson Gymnasium after the beloved and long-time coach, Coach Al found a spot near the end of the Railer bench looking like he would be more comfortable sneaking off back to the locker room than accepting the honor for his years of service at LCHS.

As the sophomore game ended, preparations began for the ceremony and Railer Nation was ready to celebrate with Coach Alexander in an event that was five years in the making. As Coach Al’s family made their way onto the court near the top of the key to the left of the scorer’s table and the Lincoln cheerleaders lined the baseline behind them, a plaque with Coach Alexander’s picture and date of dedication was set up at the timeline in front of the scorer’s table.

As Superintendent Robert Bagby began the ceremony, he referred to Alexander as a ‘truly remarkable man.’ After Principal Todd Poelker reminded Railer Nation of Alexander’s 791 career wins, 632 of which have come as Lincoln coach, Poelker reiterated that those numbers could not measure the impact Alexander has had during his tenure at LCHS.

“Neil Alexander is a role model for kids. He treats the kids with respect while at the same time getting the most out them. Our players are able to take these lessons and apply them to their everyday lives,” Poelker said. Poelker also acknowledged those that have been the support system for Alexander, wanting their part in this process to be recognized as well.

“A person can not coach at the level of success for as long as he has without the support of his family. Tremendous sacrifices have to be made. Denise and the entire Alexander family should be commended for their contributions to LCHS.”

LCHS school board president Jim Mammen explained how former Lincoln coach Ed Moore had written a letter, asking that some type of recognition be bestowed on Coach Alexander for his service to the school. Mammen then made the official declaration. “It is my pleasure to dedicate the basketball court at Roy S. Anderson Gymnasium to be known as Coach Neil Alexander Court.”

And then, it was time for the man of the hour.

“Thank you. 28 years ago, I came here, I was 35 years old and when I came here, I knew what I was getting myself into, the type of program that was here. And one of the things I feared was letting people down. And it is a fantastic place to coach. I’ve had 28 years of just great kids to work with, parents to work with, a community that really cares about their basketball. A student body, a pep band, you can’t ask for anything better than what we have here.”

The court floor was dedicated to Coach Neil Alexander [picture by Joetta Benjamin]

“I’d like to thank the Board of Education, Mr. Bagby, Mr. Mammen for this honor. It is something by far I never once thought I ever, ever come about doing. And these people here. I can’t say enough. My wife, Denise. I can’t do what I’ve done for 42 years without having a wife that was very supportive, being gone all the time, being in the gym all the time to have a successful program. She’s raised our family and I truly believe it is the best family in the world. Mom and Dad sitting there, all the kids made it back, I didn’t think some of them were going to be here tonight but they all made it. It’s really a special night.”

“I want to thank all of your for the support. Hopefully we’ve have many more years. And let’s play some basketball.”

In true Neil Alexander fashion, he didn’t want it to be about him but the kids and the game. Fortunately, for the past 17 seasons, I’ve had the opportunity to talk with Coach on our radio post-game. Saturday night was no different except some time had passed since the ceremony and his thoughts about the evening were Neil Alexander all the way.

“It was quite an honor and there’s a lot of people involved in that. There’s so many people from my coaching staffs to players, starting from day one. I love my Railer family, but that family down there on the floor tonight, that was very special.”

It must have been uncomfortable for someone that avoids the spotlight to have been standing there in it. In my time knowing him, Alexander has never searched out the light but would rather push the light on others. I guess he needs to realize that type of attitude is exactly why he found himself in the spotlight.

A couple of followups. If you want to get some insight into Coach Al, check out the wlcnonline.com website after the Saturday morning Cheap Seats program is uploaded for viewing. It was an hour of stories and thoughts from those that have played for and coached with him. I also direct you to Facebook. Look for a post from Justin Tierney, which I think was shared on the We Are Railer Nation group. Justin talks about Coach Alexander and does so in the prose that Justin is so excellent at using in telling the story that needs to be told. It sums up a lot regarding Coach Al.

I hope you had the chance to enjoy the ceremony but, if not, know that your Railer Nation compatriots were in full voice, showing the appreciation for a man and his family that bleed Red and Green. And now, anyone coming into the gym, will know a little of what we all know.

Congratulations to Neil and the entire Alexander family. Just think, number 800 is only eight wins away.

[by Jeff Benjamin]