William Lawson, Jr. Classic

             January 16, 2010

Hosted by: Carter Creates

MLK Holiday Weekend

Petersburg, Va.

Everyday A Star Is Born

PT. 2

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The late William W. Lawson, Jr., had compiled one of the finest records in Virginia high school coaching history.  A high school basketball coach for 36 years, including 23 at Petersburg High School, Coach Lawson is one of only five coaches in the history of the Virginia High School League to win more than 600 games.  Coach Lawson's 626 victories, .727 career winning percentage, 23 regular season championships, 15 district tournament championships, and six regional championships place him in the top ranks of Virginia high school coaches. Bill Lawson also coached at Carver and Matoaca High School before taking over the program at Petersburg High School. 

During Coach Lawson's tenure with the Petersburg Crimson Wave, the team never experienced a losing season, advanced to the Central Region semifinals in 11 of his last 13 years as coach, won five Central Region championships, and advanced to the state tournament eight times.  For all of his success on the basketball court, Bill Lawson had an even deeper effect as teacher, mentor, and father figure to generations of Petersburg High School students.  Coach Lawson was recognized as Coach of the Year in Groups A, AA, and AAA numerous times during his career and was inducted into the Virginia High School League Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.  In recognition of his indelible impact on Petersburg High School, Coach Lawson was present on November 30, 2001, when the Petersburg High School gymnasium was renamed the William W. Lawson, Jr., Gymnasium. 

Coach Lawson is survived by wife, Lula Lawson and son William Lawson, III, who is currently the head basketball coach at Petersburg High School.  The William Lawson, Jr., Mid-Season Classic will serve to honor Coach Lawson’s peerless career as coach, teacher, and mentor.  The memory of Coach William Lawson, Jr., will shine bright for generations to come.

Coach William W. Lawson, Jr.

Harris & Wesley, Inc.

dba McDonald's

© 2009 William Lawson, Jr. Classic