Eldridge Rogers left his mark in his time as a volleyball coach at Heritage Christian Academy. On Monday, his permanent mark was displayed on the new floor at Warrior Gym in perpetuity.
With his widow, Sheryl, and daughter Laura in attendance, Eldridge Rogers Court was displayed with his signature, something that HCA Athletic Director Matt McGowan said he was able to get from a contract Rogers had with the school and then have it displayed on the court.
Rogers died in 2021 at the age of 81 due to complications from a stroke.
In two stints at HCA, he coached the Lady Warriors to a KCAA state title in 2011 and consecutive runner-up finishes in 2012 and 2013.
He retired from coaching in 2019 after a 21-15 season and the school’s 16th consecutive region title.
Former HCA Athletic Director Candy Hayes credited Rogers for helping her during her transition to AD in 2017.
“I took on this job not knowing a lot about it. If it wasn’t for him, I probably wouldn’t have stayed for five years. He was so patient and honest with me and I loved the conversations with him on road trips,” Hayes said.
Rogers is a member of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame, the Heritage Bank Christian County High School Athletic Hall of Fame, the Kentucky Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Kentucky Academic Association Hall of Fame.
Here is video of the dedication ceremony.
One Response
This video is a touching tribute to a distinguished man who left an indelible mark on his community and the State of Kentucky, but more importantly forever etched upon the individual lives and hearts of those he taught and in the spirit of his beloved family. His presence will remain a part of us uniquely and in perpetuity as a symbol of grace and great achievements but also for his genuine love of all people. Sports was but one of his tools for encouraging, inspiring, and elevating people to be their best. It is his spirit that made this successful and his spirit that continues to shine brightly each time he is remembered.