It so happens there was a young freshman that year at Union Township High by the name of Steve Platt. Coach Lightner, in his infinite wisdom, kept Platt on the bench (actually, on the reserves team) because, as Bill explains it, they had a lot of seniors. Now it becomes clear as to where Steve Platt learned this particular technique.
With perseverance and dedication, Platt eventually worked his way into Coach Lightner’s starting line-up and later became one of only two players in Huntington County history to score over 1,000 points in a three-year high school career. Platt finished with 1,270 points, as Coach Lightner led “the team from a 79-student school” to the Huntington County Tourney Championship.
A year later, Union Township was consolidated into the Huntington School Corporation and Bill continued to teach while coaching freshman football, basketball and baseball. In 1976, he moved to Huntington North High School, where he taught physical education and coached the varsity girl’s basketball team seven years, winning three sectionals and a regional title.
During part of that time, he was also assistant baseball coach and, when he later retired in 1992, he was the assistant athletic director at Huntington North HS.
His contributions to teaching and coaching in Huntington County Schools over 30 years did not go unrecognized. Earlier this year, Lightner was inducted into the Huntington North Athletic Department Hall of Fame.
 Bill Lightner and Huntington North Hall of Fame Award |
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TODAY'S FORESTERS
When asked what he thought about today’s Forester basketball, Bill said, “The present day Foresters are simply more skilled than players were when I played. We never touched weights and we didn’t have basketball camps to attend when we were young. We just played basketball during basketball season and that was it.”
No doubt, the entire game has been elevated by year-around play, training and conditioning. As Bill observes, “Basketball is so competitive now that if you don’t play it year around, you’ll lose out to those who do. The MCC Conference reflects that skill level; it provides the most competitive and entertaining basketball anywhere.”
Bill also made another point about Forester basketball that deserves special recognition. “Steve Platt and his staff should be commended for the high-quality students they bring into the HU program. They are not only good players, they are good people – and they graduate, too!”
His advice to current Foresters is simple. “Keep your priorities in order – God, family, studies, then basketball. Make the most of your time at HU; it will be a life-changing experience.”
CONTINUING CONTRIBUTIONS
Bill is an outstanding representative of the Foresters and continues to be a strong supporter of the HU basketball program today. There’s never a fund-raising event or an organizational meeting that he doesn’t attend.
We are grateful for your continuing support, Bill. And thanks, too, for that freshmen player at Union Township you brought along. Huntington basketball wouldn’t be what it is today without the both of you.
- by Paul Harrington ('64)
A Drive for the Green The Annual Huntington Basketball Benefit Golf Outing SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2007
Register now for the 13th Annual Forester Golf Outing, one of two annual benefit fundraisers for the HU Men's basketball program.
The event is at the Norwood Golf Club in Huntington. Green fees, cart rental, lunch, a season ticket and door prizes are all included in the registration fee. Be there at 11:30 AM for the sign-up. Lunch is at noon, and a shotgun start is scheduled for 1:00 PM.
For information or registration, call the Athletic Office at: (260) 359-4212. Space is limited; it sold out last year.
If you don't golf, you shouldn't feel left out. There are opportunities for all Forester Fans to help support the basketball program (see article on next page).
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