The Kerr-Vance Academy Spartans boys’ basketball team takes to the court Friday evening in a 6 p.m. conference matchup with Halifax Academy, but the folks in the bleachers will also get a chance to relive a magical moment in the school’s history as the 2005 state champion basketball team is recognized.
It was 20 years ago that the varsity boys’ squad won the NC Independent Schools Athletic Association championship, and Headmaster Matthew McLaughlin and Athletic Director Mike Joyner said Friday’s recognition will be something special for current students and alumni.
McLaughlin said the event is centered around a basketball game, but he hopes it will be seen as a larger celebration of what is “alive and well” at Kerr-Vance Academy.
He joined the school back in July 2024, and when he learned that KVA was coming up on the 20-year anniversary, he just knew it’d be the perfect way to honor the school’s past and present, with an eye on its future.
An informal class reunion is planned for Saturday night at Norse Brewery in Wake Forest, and McLaughlin said all alums are welcome to attend. Another special event surrounding the game and 20-year anniversary recognition is a raffle for a home HVAC system – complete with installation, courtesy of Ranes Heating. Tickets are $10 each, and the lucky winner will be announced between the 3rd and 4th quarters of the Friday game. Tickets will be sold up until about halftime of the game, McLaughlin said. The winner doesn’t have to be present to win, and tickets are transferrable.
The Spartans will play Friday on a newly installed floor in the Crawford Gym, a shiny investment in the school’s future, which was established back in 1968. The new floor bears the name Bob Walker Court, a nod to the long-time assistant coach who, alongside Head Coach John Whitley, took that 2005 team to the state title game.
Friday’s festivities will be a way to acknowledge the 2005 team and what that state championship means to KVA.
Joyner said it’s important to recognize accomplishments of sports teams – dozens of banners hang in the school gym proclaiming championships in volleyball, tennis, girls’ soccer, baseball, basketball among others over the years – but success on the field or court is a direct reflection of success in the classroom.
And when current students hear or see what previous students have accomplished, it helps them envision success in their own futures, McLaughlin said.
“A lot of schools and school communities talk about athletics being an extension of the school,” he said. At KVA, “it’s not an extension – it IS our school.” Sports teams are visible, tangible ways that the community can see what KVA is all about. The community doesn’t get a chance to visit the science lab or that elementary classroom, but they can see the student-athletes in a sports contest and have a good idea about what kind of learning goes on during the school day.
Joyner said the school culture with athletics is very important, and that “winning culture comes from across the school, not just athletics.”
