Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management (PBRM) Director Tom Ashe, Ward 5 City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce, and city and state officials joined in honoring Recardo “Rick” Marshall with a special plaque unveiling and Basketball Court dedication ceremony at Blunt Park on Friday afternoon to honor Recardo “Rick” Marshall of Rick’s Five for his forty years of commitment as a youth basketball coach and devoted mentor for inner-city youth.
Mayor Sarno, PBRM Director Ashe, City Councilor Click-Bruce, State Representative Bud Williams, City Councilor Tracye Whitfield, Police Superintendent Larry Akers, member of the Board of Police Commissioners Cee Jackson, and LaMar Cook of Governor Healey’s Western Mass office all joined with Coach Rick Marshall, family, and supporters for the special unveiling ceremony.
Mayor Sarno states, “I am so proud to join one great hoop coach, our Ward 5 City Councilor ‘Coach’ Lavar Click-Bruce in honoring another great coach, Rick Marshall, and his incredible legacy of youth mentorship and grassroots youth basketball development. From the outdoor courts right here at Blunt Park to winning two Western Mass basketball championships with our Central High Golden Eagles, and two state championships with the High School of Commerce Red Raiders, Coach Rick Marshall has had a lasting impact on so many Springfield youth, inspiring a legacy of excellence on and off the court. Congratulations to Coach Marshall and thank you for your continued belief, support and investment in our Springfield and our future generations.”
“It is truly an honor to have this court naming/dedication of my former coach Rick Marshall,” said Ward 5 City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce. “He taught all of us about being a well-rounded individual and kept us on the straight and narrow. Rick and his wife Pook would pack us all up in a van to travel and play in different tournaments. He was truly showing us all the true meaning of community and family. I’m extremely happy for Coach and his family and everyone that played for RICK’S 5.”
