JCSU alumni pay tribute to retired basketball coach Steve Joyner
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| Photo | Ken Koontz |
| Retired Johnson C. Smith University basketball coach Steve Joyner (center) visited campus with his wife, Narelle, and announcer Stan Rueter to pay tribute to Joyner, the Golden Bulls' all-time winningest coach, with 600 wins. |
Johnson C. Smith University alumni recently honored the accomplishments and legacy of retired basketball coach Steve Joyner.
The Charlotte chapter of the JCSU Alumni Association hosted a reception in honor of Joyner, a graduate of the Class of 1973. His involvement with the school began as a freshman basketball player and eventually became team captain. As an alumnus, Joyner oversaw JCSU's national youth sports program and served as an assistant basketball coach and then head women's basketball coach before taking over the men's team and serving as athletic director for more than 20 years.
As the men's coach, Joyner won three CIAA titles, advanced to the Division II Elite Eight and won an NCAA regional title in 2001. His 600 wins are third-most among CIAA coaches and rank in the top 50 in Division II.
Joyner emphasized that he has always encouraged the children who attend NYSP, his summer program, to do their best.
“NYSP was the most enjoyable job I've ever had, working with kids ages 10 to 16,” he said. “I remain passionate about this institution and what it has accomplished for over 100 years.”
ESPN commentator and former Livingston basketball coach Stan Reuther spoke first, recounting various anecdotes about Joyner and noting that eight of Joyner's 600 wins came against Reuther's teams.
“Steve, you're a great guy. I've never seen you get a technical foul in all my years of coaching,” he said. “You're more than just a coach; you embody everything a man should be.”
Tom Baldwin, chairman emeritus of the JCSU Board of Trustees, who, like Joyner, grew up in Winston-Salem, recalled how he and several high school classmates made the case that JCSU was where Joyner should attend and play college basketball.
“We appreciate what you've done,” Baldwin said. “You've changed people's lives.”
JCSU Vice President of Student Affairs and Alumni Davida Haywood argued that more than just a thank you was worthwhile, saying, “You went above and beyond for the kids during NYSP. As a well-known, legendary coach, you're on par with John Thompson and Dean Smith.”
Chaplain leader Adrian Harper, who claims to have been Joyner's “favorite work-study student” during his college years, encouraged Joyner to “be proud of the lives you've touched, and now enjoy your grandchildren.”
Longtime Golden Bulls assistant coach Mark Sherrill, who like Joyner is a JCSU Sports Hall of Fame inductee and former basketball player, praised his former coach and boss.
“Thank you for changing my life,” Sheryl said. “We've produced lawyers, doctors, businessmen and so many others.” Peggy Ride, the JCSU cheerleading coach who organized and produced the gala, said she had known Joyner for many years.
“He was calm and very supportive,” she says. “He didn't like arguments, but he didn't want to cause any trouble.”
Added JCSU Trustee and alumna Christy Bryant: “You come from Smith and we look up to you. Your accomplishments are an accomplishment for us. We are incredibly proud of you.”
