Thirty-eight years after he began coaching men’s basketball at San Jose City College, he has finally done it.
Percy Carr has set another milestone in California community college history by accumulating 800 wins after defeating Merced College in the first round of the SJCC Tip-Off Basketball Tournament on Nov. 9.
“It’s a great accomplishment for the college and Percy Carr as an individual coach,” said Dean of Athletics and Vice President of Administration Greg Nelson. “We are proud to have him here as our head coach.”
Carr was presented with a team jersey that displayed the number 800 below his name and the game ball that was signed by all of the players and the assistant coaches.
“There have been some ups and downs, but I’m glad this team is the one that ended up winning this honor because they’ve been working hard,” Carr said. “I’ve had some great players over the years, and I feel great for the players who helped in establishing this.”
When Carr began his quest with SJCC, he had just come from Stanford University in search of a position that would allow him the opportunity to plant his feet and grow.
“When I decided to come and stay here I didn’t want to move up and down on that level because eventually you spend a lot time away from your family, and I didn’t want to do that,” Carr said. “I wouldn’t think about giving that up for Stanford, Timbukto or anything.”
Carr had the opportunity to complete the 800 wins last season, but he fell short after losing five of six conference games at home.
“Out of those thirty years we have only had three losing seasons where we lost a few more than we won and last year was one of those seasons,” Carr said.
Despite a losing record in 2011, Speed City managed to win its last three games on the road, which set the stage for Carr to win game 800 at home for the first game of the season and the tournament.
All of the players on the team are honored to be led by Carr and be a part of this historic event.
Carr and Speed City won the entire tournament to give Carr 802 total wins.
Carr will lead Speed City into its second preseason tournament with the SJCC Classic men’s basketball tournament Dec. 6 through Dec. 8.
