ENCSD dedicates gym in honor of former coach

The Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf (ENCSD) dedicated the school’s gymnasium in honor of former staff member James “Barney” Williamson on Oct. 8.

Williamson, who died in April 2004, was a graphic arts teacher and coach at ENCSD for 30 years. He coached several sports throughout his career, but basketball was his love. His teams won three Mason-Dixon Championships, in 1991, 1992 and 1999, and finished as Mason-Dixon runner-up in 1998 and third place in 1987 and 1997. His team also finished second in the Carolina Conference in 1991. He was coach of the year in the Carolina Conference in 1999. He coached several Carolina All-Conference players and several Deaf All-Americans. The Mason-Dixon Tournament is a basketball tournament played at one of the eleven Mason-Dixon schools annually.

Williamson was also an inductee into the North Carolina School for the Deaf Hall of Fame for his athlete achievements during his time at the high school 1957-1961.

The gymnasium was constructed in 1969 in conjunction with McAdams Hall. It is the venue for middle school and high school basketball and volleyball. Powerlifting competitions and various other school programs are held there, as well. The gymnasium houses locker rooms, a classroom and a weight room.

At the dedication ceremony, former students, colleagues and opposing coaches joined Williamson’s wife, Mary, children Lee and Amy, his grandchildren and other family members to speak about their relationships and experiences with him over the years.

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Last Modified: November 2, 2005