THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 7, 1996 TAG: 9604050196
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
Deep Creek resident Vernon Williams was awarded the Harry ``Hook'' Hillman Memorial Award at the Friday Celebrity Luncheon of the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Williams, 44, has been actively involved in area youth basketball since 1975 and was instrumental in developing the Summer Youth Basketball League.
The Hillman Award, presented by PIT officials and the Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Department since 1978, is given for outstanding service to youth basketball. Hillman devoted much of his life to youth basketball programs and the award was created in his memory at the suggestion of Georgia Tech basketball coach Bobby Cremins, who was helped by Hillman when he attended Frederick Military Academy here.
Williams, a clinical therapist for the city who was born in the Western Branch area, has devoted countless hours in setting up basketball leagues and serving as a coach.
``I'm proudest of the work I have done with handicapped youngsters,'' he said. He coordinated basketball programs for the Kirk-Cone Center and helped in wheelchair basketball.
Many times he provided the transportation, as well as paying registration fees, for participants.
He also organized and coached the youth team from his church, Zion Baptist of Portsmouth.
In addition to working in the Summer League, he has coached a Midget team in the Deep Creek area for several years. His 11-year-old son, Vernon Orlando, is a member of that team.
``The purpose of the Summer League was to provide a wholesome activity for the youth, keeping them off the streets,'' he said. ``Others, such as Preston Harts, deserve much of the credit I am getting.''
``Basketball is the game but development of the whole individual is Mr. Williams' aim,'' said Rudolph Freeman, in presenting the award.
``He is a dedicated, conscientious person who devotes many, many hours toward encouraging and developing positive attitudes, good citizenship, self-esteem and a desire for learning within our youth.'' ILLUSTRATION: Williams
HILLMAN WINNERS
1996 - Vernon Williams
1995 - Eric Sasser
1994 - Tyrone Hines
1993 - Robert Tucker
1992 - Barbara Hawkins
1991 - Cary Warren
1990 - Phillip Piersall
1989 - Lewis Dunbar
1988 - Frank Stafford
1987 - Don Taylor
1986 - Barney Stevenson
1985 - Jim Short
1984 - Gracie Lee VanDyck
1983 - Durland Coltrane
1982 - Billy Skeeter
1981 - Mahlon Parker
1980 - Corky and Sis Spence
1979 - Bill Leffler
1978 - Benn Griffin
by CNB