In His Honor

In 2001, an article "Ray of Light" was written about a man, and his unselfish mission of mentoring young boys through the game of basketball. On Saturday, April 7, 2007, that light went dim in the basketball community. The Alabama Lasers lost Coach William "Wig" Pearson.

If anyone would look through Coach "Wig" Pearson’s past, they would find a man of silent accolades. Never did he speak of himself as the young man who took on racial strife in the 1960’s. Or the young man who sat at segregated lunch counters, and endured the consequences of his actions. He never looked back, but always forward. In today’s society, there are many unsung heroes, however there are some who try and seek monetary gain for their heroic efforts. Never did he attempt to capitalize on what he went through or speak regret. Instead, Coach Pearson continuously searched for ways to make life better for those around him. He lived life to the fullness, absorbed every moment.

He brought his enthusiasm and zest for life to the Alabama Lasers. Coach Pearson, developed young talent, and enhanced their basketball skills. Throughout the years he became more than a coach to his young charges, he became a beckon of hope. Hope that through their basketball talent they could gain recognition and collegiate scholarships. He loved the game, but always stressed academics and morality to his young charges. In his 2001 interview, when asked what was in it for him, he stated, "I don't want anything. My greatest reward is to see these young guys turn out to be good decent men."

So what’s next for the Alabama Lasers? Will they lose their way without their mentor Coach William "Wig" Pearson? "No," says assistant coach Sidney Ball. Ball is a former member of University of Alabama, Birmingham basketball team and past Laser. "We plan to take this program to the next level, make it one of the best in the country." "It is what Coach Pearson would have wanted." Today, the Alabama Lasers continue to move forward under the helm of Coach Sidney Ball and others.

On a personal note, I had the pleasure of speaking with Coach Pearson weeks before his passing. He spoke proudly of the Alabama Lasers, and was looking forward to the upcoming season. "I’m going to forgo doing anything else right now, and work with "my Lasers." As he spoke, his voice swelled with love and pride. As I was leaving, I watched as he sat down on his porch. I paused for a moment and witnessed what he lived for. He was gazing out, watching young children play basketball on a warm spring afternoon. As the sun shone brightly above him, he seemed to be mesmerized with the scene before him. This would be the last time I would ever speak or see him again. However, I believe this was our moment, my last personal memory of him.

Rarely, in life people find their passion, find their purpose on this earth. I will always believe that he found his purpose, he lived his dream. Since Coach "Wig" Pearson's death, I sometime find myself thinking of my own mortality. Also, my thoughts are of those who have died suddenly without notice, and those who died violently by the hands of others. And those have who fought illness, but lost their battle.

I realized, one day we will all succumb, and leave this earth. There should be only one question we should ask ourselves. Did we make a difference?

We need to attempt to live as Coach Pearson did, he made a difference. He was one man who left his spirit and impression on every life he touched. He will be remembered as Coach, Civil Rights Activist, Son, Husband, Father, Brother, Friend, and to me… uncle.

© Copyright 2007 ZE Harris, Author (zeharris, Inc.)