Lyla Shue, Senior at NCHS has written her 15th front-page article for The Courier Times. Below is her story about alumnus Claude Davis, how he honored Coach Alford, and donated a continuing legacy:
For nearly eight decades, the court inside New Castle Fieldhouse has been a place where generations of athletes have competed, families have filled the stands and memories have been made. Now, for the first time, the court will carry a name.
Claude Davis, a 1979 New Castle High School graduate and longtime supporter of the school and community, is making a $400,000 donation toward a series of projects at the Fieldhouse and around the high school. As part of that investment, the basketball court will be named Alford Court, honoring a family whose name has been deeply connected to New Castle basketball for generations.
For Davis, the decision is personal.
“I have a lot of care and a strong affinity for New Castle and New Castle High School,” Davis said. “I feel like a lot of my success came from the preparation, care and mentorship of people at New Castle. I care about the school and the town, and I want to support it.”
Davis said naming the court after the Alford family is a way to recognize the impact they have had not only on basketball, but on the students and community surrounding it.
Sam Alford coached at New Castle for 20 years, from 1975 to 1995, compiling a 300-188 record. During his career, his teams won 17 sectionals and six regionals and he was named North Central Conference Coach of the Year three times. He also served as president of the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association and was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. But to Davis, Alford’s legacy goes far beyond the numbers.
Sam Alford was Davis’ coach and mentor during his time at New Castle.
“Sam mentored me and hundreds of young men over his career inspiring them to not only be good athletes but to reach their full potential and to understand what work and discipline are required to be successful in life,” he said.
The Alford family’s connection to New Castle basketball continued through Sam’s sons. Sam coached both Steve and Sean at New Castle. Davis said the entire family has continued to represent New Castle and give back to others.
Steve Alford was named 1983 Mr. Basketball and played in several sectionals and regionals during his time as an athlete at New Castle. Also, Steve’s wife, Tanya, lettered in three sports (basketball, volleyball and tennis) during her time at New Castle. Monica, Sean’s wife, lettered in cheerleading and track. Sean Alford lettered in basketball and was a key part of New Castle basketball’s 1984 state finals team, as well as winning multiple sectional and regional titles during his time at New Castle.
The Alfords have continued to give back to our community through various contributions. Most recently, Sam Alford and family held a golf outing that raised money for New Castle’s athletic programs.
That tradition of giving back is part of what made the court naming especially meaningful to Davis.
“I think the world of Claude Davis,” Sam Alford said. “I’ve always had respect for him and this guy respected what I did for him.”
Davis’ own athletic history began at New Castle. From 1976-79, he earned five varsity letters, was a two-year baseball starter and a three-year letterman in basketball. He was named All-North Central Conference, served as a team captain and was an Academic All-State selection.
He continued his playing career at Butler University, where he was a four-year letterman, three-year starter and three-year team captain, while earning Academic All-Conference honors twice.
Davis said his experiences at New Castle helped prepare him for his career and life beyond high school.
That connection is a major reason he wanted to invest back into the community.
“I want to honor the Alford family and the contributions they have made to the city and the high school,” Davis said. “The legacy that family has left in the community should be recognized long term.”
The $400,000 donation is part of a larger series of projects Davis hopes to support, both inside the Fieldhouse and throughout the school. For Davis, the investment is about more than improvements to a building.
And now, every time players step onto the court, they will see the name of a family that has helped shape New Castle basketball for decades.
For a Fieldhouse that has spent nearly 77 years creating memories without a name attached to its court, the new name carries plenty of history with it.
The naming will serve as a reminder of the coaches, players, families and community members who have helped make New Castle basketball what it is today and of the lasting impact one family has had on generations of Trojans.