COLUMN: Copenhaver Coaches The Right Way For The Last Time

It was an emotional scene inside the Hampton Coliseum Tuesday night.

Players exchanged high-fives, coaches were hugging and parents rushed to meet their heroes.

For only the second time in the past 18 years, the West had knocked off the East in the Virginia High School Coaches Association All-Star boys basketball game.

One of Southwest Virginia’s most successful coaches celebrated in his quiet way, far from the loud crowd.

For the past 22 years, Al Copenhaver has guided George Wythe to wins and championships.

The final two acts for the low-key coach featured storybook flair. Copenhaver led the Maroons to the Group A state title this past winter, then watched his multi-talented 6-foot-3 post player, Tennis Simon, excel on Virginia’s top prep stage Tuesday.

Simon, who recently decided to play basketball at Bluefield College, contributed 12 points and loads of athleticism to the landmark West win.

“I definitely wanted to be here for this game,” said Copenhaver, who retired from coaching after the 2008 season. “I’m proud of Tennis. He was a big part of our success this season, and I thought he shot the ball well and played well overall in this game.’’

In a field full of massive egos, personal agendas and dated traditions, Copenhaver was a refreshing change of pace. He allowed his diverse group of athletes the freedom to operate at a rapid pace and never sought personal glory.

Despite his sterling resume, Copenhaver was quick to shift the spotlight off himself and to his players. No chest-pumping or rants from this guy.

Basically, Copenhaver was an old-school coach who was not afraid to incorporate new-school approaches and personalities.

After summers filled with camps, scrimmages and preparation, the 60-year-old Copenhaver is now enjoying the other side of life with his family. Mary Copenhaver, Al’s wife, was also a highly-successful basketball coach at GW.

“I’m just enjoying myself and trying to catch up on all the things I’ve missed over the years,” Copenhaver said. “I’ve got a six-week [-old] grandson in the Lake Norman area of Charlotte, and I’ve been spending a lot of time there.”

The basketball adventure began at age nine for Copenhaver, when he launched his first jump shot. He played high school ball for the Maroons, then paid his coaching dues for nine years before returning to lead his alma mater.

“Basketball has been a big part of my life, and winning state in my final year was definitely a very nice feeling,” Copenhaver said. “Things feel normal now. It probably won’t sink in that I’m not coaching until school starts back.

“It’s been a long and fun ride.”

It seems fitting that the final leg of the hoops highway for Copenhaver ended with another victory.

“This is a nice way to go out,’’ Copenhaver said.

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