HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – On Dec. 4, the community gathered underneath the Hopkinsville Greenway bridge on Lafayette Road to dedicate and honor the legacy of Coach William Falls. Falls was a legendary basketball coach, mentor and community leader in Hopkinsville.
“I did not know the man, but I’ve heard many great things,” said Mayor J.R Knight. “He did not only leave a legacy as a coach but was a great mentor to our youth in the community.”
Coach Falls began his coaching career at Attucks High School and later served as an assistant coach at Hopkinsville High School. Since his death over 50 years ago, Coach Falls was inducted into the Kentucky Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 by two of his former players who credit him with inspiring them both on and off the court.
Alongside Mayor Knight during the dedication was former Hopkinsville Mayor Wendell Lynch who said Coach Falls did not focus so much on his career, but on what he could do for others. “The people here, and myself, can attest to the things he did for us as human being,” said Lynch.
James Victor, a former student of Coach Falls also took to the mic to share how Falls inspired him to become a teacher as well. Attendees gathered around as the city unveiled the new sign that reads “Coach Williams Falls Memorial Bridge”. People can see the sign on Lafayette Road near the intersection of Dell Drive.
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