Oswego County TodayAPW Recognizes Grant Decker, Dedicates Court in his Honor

Many say that the legacy of longtime Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach Grant Decker lies in his gold socks and his passion for APW athletics and the game of basketball.

Grant-Decker-Court-Presenting-Plaque — Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach Grant Decker accepts a commemorative plaque from APW alumni and former basketball players during a court dedication ceremony in his honor. From left are: Jim Poindexter, class of 1993; Clark Stanton, class of 1992; Coach Decker; and Tom Nash, class of 1990. Constructed by APW Technology Teacher George Parker with wood from the old gymnasium, the plaque reads: The lives Coach Decker touched, both on and off the court, are many. We are truly grateful for the character he built in every one of us. Through the hard work, the focus to detail and the importance of working as a team, success was learned from Coach Decker on the court. Little did we know how much this success we learned would carry over to the rest of our lives. Thank you Coach, you will always be remembered.

Since 1974 Coach Decker has instilled in his students and players the importance of respect, competitiveness, and hard work.

This winning recipe for success has earned his teams several outstanding recognitions including the prestigious Central New York Board #38 Basketball Officials Ed Kearney Sportsmanship Award Sportsmanship Award.

In addition, he has led his basketball teams to five Onondaga League titles and two Section III finals, he was named Coach of the Year three times, and in 2008 was inducted into the Section III Hall of Fame.

In recognition of Coach Decker’s lasting impact both on and off the basketball court, the APW Central School District, by recommendation of many alumni, named the new basketball court at the APW Junior/Senior High School Grant Decker Court.

Grant-Decker-Court-Acceptance-Speech — Longtime Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach Grant Decker addresses a gymnasium full of supporters during a court dedication ceremony in his honor. Humbled by the recognition and thankful for the support of his family, friends, colleagues, players and “running rebel” fans, Decker said during his speech, “When you surround yourself with good people, good things happen.”

APW Athletic Director Bert Conklin hosted a special dedication ceremony prior to the start of the first boys’ varsity basketball game of the season on November 30.

More than 30 basketball alumni were on hand to participate in the ceremony and to present Coach Decker with a commemorative plaque that was crafted from the old gymnasium floor and bleachers.

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