Vero Beach High School will honor a retired, veteran basketball coach by renaming the school’s court in his namesake before Friday night’s game.
The basketball court at the 2,700-student school will be renamed after Charles “Chuck” Loewendick, who netted more than 600 wins during his tenure as coach. Loewendick is considered the “winningest coach across the Treasure Coast.”
“From the time I was a sophomore in high school until I graduated in 1991, he believed in me, pushed me, and taught me what it truly meant to be accountable, disciplined, and committed. Those lessons stayed with me long after I left the court,” said Head Basketball Coach James ‘J.D.’ Dawson.
“Being able to return to Vero Beach and work alongside him as an assistant coach was one of the greatest honors.”
The ceremony to rename the basketball court will take place at 6:45 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Vero Beach High School, 1707 16th St. The game will immediately follow, with the Vero Beach Fighting Indians set to face off against the St. Edward’s Pirates.
Dawson, who once played as a student athlete for Loewendick at Vero Beach High School, said the revered coach changed his life. Dawson said the decision to name the court after Loewendick comes “straight from the heart.”
“It’s a way to say ‘thank you’ for nearly 30 years of leadership, sacrifice and impact on generations of players,” Dawson said. “His legacy isn’t just wins or banners; it’s the people he shaped, and I’m proud to be one of them.”
Dr. Peggy Jones, vice-chairperson for the School Board, said Loewendick is one of a kind. Loewendick’s training, mentorship and motivation helped changed lives of countless students who competed on the hardwood, Jones said.
Retired educator Buster Brister, who is a close friend of Loewendick, described him as a humble and awesome person.
“Coach Loewendick and I have been friends for many years. As much as his historic run of 600 wins, his two final fours, and his many district championships, the things that most impresses me is when we are out and about town and former players and their parents are always coming up to him with pure joy in their eyes and showing much appreciation as to what he did for them.”
