CIAA Names Men?s Basketball Championship Trophy For ?Bighouse?

CIAA Names Men’s Basketball Championship Trophy For “Bighouse”

July 20, 2005

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association will name the men’s tournament championship award the CIAA, Clarence “Bighouse” Gaines Trophy in memory of the legendary coaching figure who died this year. Gaines was affectionately known as “Bighouse” for his six-foot-five, 265 pound frame; however his accomplishment in collegiate athletics eclipsed his size.

Gaines won nine CIAA tournament championships and one national title with former NBA all star Earl “the Pearl” Monroe under his tutelage while coaching at Winston-Salem State University (Winston-Salem, NC.) His 828 wins rank him fifth in collegiate athletics behind Adolph Rupp, Dean Smith, Bobby Knight and Jim Phelan. Gaines was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in1982.

“Coach Gaines embodied the qualities of leadership” states Leon G. Kerry, Commissioner, CIAA. “His students and colleagues respected him for his wisdom, dedication and compassion. He inspired others to be the best they could be without compromising their integrity. Coach (Gaines) was a friend to many and a mentor to everyone. He was a champion on the court and in life. The Clarence “Bighouse” Gaines Trophy will symbolize the dedication it takes to be a champion.”

The CIAA Clarence “Bighouse” Gaines Trophy, sponsored by Coca Cola North America, will be presented to the winner of the men’s basketball championship game during the 2006 CIAA tournament in Charlotte, NC.