Coaching great honored during dedication ceremony

Coach Jess Bucy displays his HoF plaque. The award is located in the memorial trophy case in the Rector gym. [Click to enlarge]

Jess Bucy, beloved Blackcat basketball coach, baseball coach and former superintendent, was honored in a special ceremony during halftime of Friday night's alumni game. A plaque featuring Bucy's photo and list of accomplishments was placed in the Hall of Fame's hand-crafted trophy case, honoring the legendary coach, player and role model.

"I'm happy to have been a part of Rector and the fine programs and community we all shared," Bucy said. "I'm honored by all of this, and, frankly, a little embarrassed."

Bucy is the first inductee into the Rector High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Bucy coached two Rector junior high basketball teams to state championships in 1963 and 1967. His 1959 and 1965 high school teams were state runnersup. In total, Bucy spent 15 years coaching at Rector. His teams averaged 20 wins a season during that time. A total of 13 Bucy-coached teams won the Clay County Tournament.

After Rector, Bucy coached basketball at Harding University for 21 years, winning a conference championship and finishing second in the league twice. He also spent three years coaching the baseball team, earning a second place finish in the conference during that time. Wherever he went, success followed.

Bucy has remained in Searcy since retiring from Harding. He still finds his way to Rector on occasion, noting that Rector remains his hometown.

Bucy's importance to the game was summed up by Blackcat alum and Hall of Fame chair Lavaughn Robertson.

"He's known across the state for his knowledge of fundamentals and instruction on shooting a basketball. He was an outstanding coach, and, more importantly, a great role model to a bunch of kids. He did a lot not only for this program, but also the entire community. "

Bucy's lasting legacy was evident as many in attendance made a point of visiting with him to both congratulate his most recent achievement, as well as recall times past.