Beloved Kansas City basketball coach Calvin Wainright dies

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Coach Calvin Wainright will likely be remembered by some for his ability as a basketball participant, however his particular present was as a mentor to generations of younger Black males.

“Calvin took the time to mildew me into the person I’m at this time,” his shut pal, Pat Clarke, mentioned Monday.

Wainright, 68, died Monday morning after a lifetime of working with children, serving to present them how you can escape the violence and poverty that usually surrounded them.

Clarke, the president of the Oak Park neighborhood, mentioned he met Wainright in 1972 when Clarke was simply 6 years outdated.

“He was my large brother, the legend,” Clarke mentioned. “(He is) one of many causes there’s a Pat Clarke.”

Wainright, who Clarke mentioned was about 6 ft 4 inches tall and constructed like a linebacker, spent most of his life teaching inner-city basketball gamers.

“I obtained it from him,” Clarke mentioned.

Like his mentor, Clarke works tirelessly to maintain children secure in neighborhoods the place crime usually wins the battle for the hearts of youngsters and youths.

Wainright “liked God and liked his household,” Clarke mentioned.

In 2020, Wainright was awarded the Excellent Volunteer Coach by the Missouri Park and Recreation Affiliation.

The identical yr, he was awarded the Kansas Metropolis Folks’s Alternative Awards Humanitarian Award.

“Right this moment, Kansas Metropolis mourns the lack of an important icon, a staple in our metropolis, a father determine & coach to many,” the KCPCA mentioned in a Fb put up. “Relaxation In Peace Coach Calvin Wainright you may be really missed. Prayers & condolences to the household.”

Wainright is the daddy of Ish Wainright, a ahead for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. His different son, Amaad Wainright, performed one season at Kansas State College.

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