Gary Cook of North Decatur is the IBCA’s inaugural winner of the Point Guard College Transformational Coach Award.
Cook has had a major impact on the lives of many of his former players, according to Kyle Nobbe, current North Decatur boys’ basketball varsity coach and Cook’s nominator. Cook’s impact is easily seen as many former players have returned in support of the Chargers via coaching or as consistent fans.
After several years away from coaching, Cook returned to the sidelines in 2016-17 as the North Decatur seventh-grade coach. At the conclusion of 2017-18, Cook will have coached his son, son-in-law and grandson. Not many people can say they have had that privilege.
“But as we all know in our community, these individuals had the honor to learn from Cook,” Nobbe said.
After completing his head coaching career at North Decatur in 2003, Cook has been an invaluable member the North Decatur leadership, serving capacities including Principal to Athletic Director. Cook has been a "constant" in the North Decatur community. Besides 25 years of coaching at various levels, he long has been a leader to many students and colleagues while modeling traits such as compassion, friendship and loyalty.
In his numerous speeches to outgoing senior classes, Cook typically concluded his remarks by reminding students to "never let anyone outwork you."
Cook easily can share these words to the students as he lives his life that way both professionally and personally. His dedication is second to none. His support – on and off the court, throughout the hallways and community – have made him a fixture of leadership and integrity.
