Inside Hummel Field House lays the court that is home of the Bethany College Bison basketball and volleyball programs. The court has now been named the Joe Kurey Memorial Court, after legendary Joe Kurey. Kurey was a longtime employee, former Athletic Director, and Hall of Famer. On Nov. 19, Bethany hosted a dedication ceremony during the basketball double header against Waynesburg University. Joe Kurey's wife, Carol, family members, and friends were in attendance.
"He loved sports, and Bethany College sports were his favorite – this would not be possible without all the support and contributions from Bethany alumni and the kindness of Joe," said Carol Kurey. "Thank you to the college for honoring my husband with this wonderful gift and all of the future students of Bethany College."
"Looking at this amazing court where our teams will play, I want to thank everyone who has generously given to make this court possible in Joe's memory," said Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi. "Your gifts have made a tremendous difference, and it is my hope that each step taken on this court, each team-centered effort, and every Bison victory celebration reminds us of Joe's legacy."
Kurey was an elite, multi-sport athlete. As a four-year starter on the Bison basketball team and a conference champion in tennis, he received his Bachelor of Science in mathematics in 1962. He went on to receive a master's degree in education from the University of Dayton.
Shortly after earning his degrees, Kurey returned to Bethany holding numerous positions over his career. He began coaching the basketball and tennis teams and later shifted to administrative roles, including assistant dean of men, registrar, chief business officer, vice president of finance, and senior counsel to the president. He became athletic director in his final year at Bethany.
Upon his retirement in 2006, Bethany College bestowed upon Kurey the title of Vice President for Finance and Treasurer Emeritus.
He was named Most Outstanding Athlete and was inducted into the Bethany College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1978. In 1985, Bethany College's Alumni Association honored him with the Distinguished Service to Alma Mater Award.
"Joe embodied the best of Bethany, and our college and all of us are better because he chose to devote 45 years of his professional life to his alma mater. May we leave here today reminded of Joe's impact and of the fact that our community came together once again to create a space for future generations to compete and succeed," added Caridi.
Carol Kurey cut the ribbon to christen the Joe Kurey Memorial Court inside Hummel Field House prior to the men's basketball game.
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