Centre College basketball coach Greg Mason honored to have office named in honor of his late father

Centre College men's basketball coach Greg Mason with his father, Eddie

After his father passed away about a year ago, Centre College basketball coach Greg Mason reached out to college officials about a way to honor his father’s memory. Eddie Mason was a long-time coach. He was the assistant coach on the 1978 Shelby County High School state championship team and was the head coach from 1987-1992.  After his retirement, he became a paid assistant coach on his son’s staff at Centre for one year but then spent a lot of years as a volunteer coach/recruiter.

Because of Eddie Mason’s ties to the Centre basketball program, his son wanted to do something to honor him and found out it would cost $20,000 to name his basketball office after his father.

Once former Centre College player Matt Nestheide learned about the plan to honor Eddie Mason, he took over.

“He sent an email to former players saying this is what he would like to help get done,” Greg Mason said. “He championed it with a couple of others. It just kind of caught fire and within six months $20,000 had been raised.

“Dad only earned a paycheck for one year coaching at Centre but he was by far my best recruiter. He sacrificed his time and money for our program. He would go on the road recruiting, never get a penny for it and loved every minute of it.

“He was just a great connector of people. When he was healthy and out recruiting for us, he was fantastic and really connected with our players.”

Greg Mason, who has over 400 wins at Centre, said his father was also his best friend and his loss is still felt because of their connection.

“He gave me discipline in life but he also believed in me. For former players to get this going in his honor was a very touching gesture,” the Centre coach said. “To know some of my former teammates along with family and friends also donated just makes it even more special. It just means a lot to me and mom and puts a big smile on mom’s face.

“He helped me get my career going. My first recruit (as an assistant coach) that I was responsible for was Brian Britt. Dad had some major connections. His name gave me instant credibility and once we got Brian here, he was a great player for us.”

Greg Mason said his dad was part of many big wins and moments, including 2008 when Centre was ranked second nationally.

“He was such a big part of what we did and what is being done to honor him shows that the people he met would do anything for him. That’s the kind of impact he had and why having the office named for him means so much to me and mom,” Greg Mason said.

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Shelby County High School is honoring Eddie Mason before its home boys basketball game Friday. Former players have been invited to attend the ceremony honoring the long-time coach.

“Dad was passionate about life and basketball in our city of Shelbyville was one of his favorites. Our family is very honored and can’t wait to see so many great friends,” Greg Mason said.