The late Bill Kerns, who won the first of two state boys’ basketball championships in Bridgeport High School history, will be honored during a ceremony Saturday.

 

According to BHS Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Mark Jones, the ceremony will take place prior to the start of the game between the Indians and Robert C. Byrd. Jones reminds the community of an early starting time.

 

The BHS-RCB varsity game will tipoff at 1 p.m.

 

“The tribute will be prior to the start and it’s one that’s well deserved,” said Jones.

 

Kerns, a long-time coach and educator, passed away in August. He was 71 years old at the time of his passing.

 

Jones didn’t know of Kerns. However, since his arrival at the school situated on Johnson Avenue, he’s heard plenty about him.

 

“I’ve heard from a number of people whose lives he’s touched,” said Jones. “By all accounts he was a fantastic coach and educator for many years. As good as a coach as he was, and he was very good, he made an even bigger impact in the classroom.”

 

Kerns accumulated a record of 250-151 during his time at BHS and won even more games. Before coming to BHS, he was at Martinsburg as the jayvee coach and finished with a combined total of 310 victories.

 

Many would argue the three biggest wins came in 1993 when the Indians swept through the Class AA state tournament. BHS upended Pocahontas County, Ravenswood and Oceana to get a 21-4 record and the school’s first-ever boys’ state championship.

 

“We’re encouraging former players, students and friends of Coach Kerns to come to the game,” said Jones.

 

Although the RCB game tends to draw a large crowd, another key to having the ceremony during the game with the Eagles is due to their head coach. Bill Bennett was Kerns’ assistant during the title run and was among his best friends.

 

Jones added that members of Bill Kerns’ family are expected to be there. The contest will feature a battle of two Class AA top five teams in the MetroNews Power Index.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Bill Kerns, middle, with former assistant Billy Bennett, left, and Dr. Doyle Sickles during a ceremony honoring the 1993 state title team. Bottom photo shows Kerns congratulating his players as they wrap up the state title in 1993.