Longtime Perry girls basketball coach Mike Long was presented with a plaque Thursday night celebrating his 566 wins in 40 seasons guiding Perry basketball. The Jayettes surprised him bringing back over 20 former players and coaches who played or coached with him during his unmatched longevity at the school. Former assistants Michael Burton and Frank Howell made the trip back to be a part of the special night.
“I was so honored to be a part of Mike staff back in the early 90’s,” stated Howell. “I took quite a few things away from Mike as I went on guide my own programs but if there was one thing that I had to narrow it down to it would be the discipline that he always demanded and required. The fine, little details of each and every aspect of the game. He was so good in that area.”
Burton was part of Long’s staff in 2002 that won a state championship after blowing out the field and going a perfect 26-0.
“That was a special team. It was an incredible experience to be a part of. I can honestly tell you that if you told me we would have a team like that again with those types of personalities and skills and Mike was going to be back at coach then I would certainly come back and relive those days. It was an experience I’ll never forget.”