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Dave Cowens honored at Newport Central Catholic for being lead donor for new gymnasium floor


Newport Central Catholic High School hosted a gymnasium floor ceremony today for the current student body in gratitude for the lead donor Dave Cowens.   

Cowens, a 1966 graduate of Newport Catholic, went on to find successes in the NBA playing for the Boston Celtics.  He earned NBA Rookie of the Year in 1970-71 season, NBA MVP 1972-73, was a seven-time NBA All-Star and inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.
 
The new surface was installed this summer in a “Boston Square” pattern to tribute Cowens. 

Dave Cowens (Photos provided)

It replaces the original from 1954 when the school was first constructed. The surface is not only used for sporting events like volleyball and basketball but also plays host to our spring musical, major fundraisers, school assemblies, all school masses, guest speaking engagements and so much more. 
 
Cowens commented, “Jack and Ruth Cowens, like many other parents, dedicated hard-earned, limited resources to provide their children with a good, Catholic education. Gary, Tom, Jerry and I went to Newport Catholic, sister Susan attended Our Lady of Providence Academy and oldest brother Wayne excelled at Covington Latin School. This gift is in honor of the sacrifices our parents made for us.” 
 
Kenny Collopy, NCCHS Director of Institutional Advancement said, “We are very blessed to have alumni like Dave Cowens and his family who support our mission of educating young people in a Catholic environment. This new surface is a testament to the confidence our alumni have in our causes and their dedication to our students’ Catholic education.   

“This project will not only improve the experience of our community but bring about a great excitement and momentum.”

The gym floor

Principal Ron Dawn reflected on watching Cowens play at Newport Catholic.

From Newport Central Catholic


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