Centenary Connections: For the Love of Basketball

Kathryn and Mike Tebbe, both graduates from the class of 1971, shared this story of a recent “Centenary connection” with a fellow 1970s alumnus.

Each year the Memphis Grizzlies are the NBA's featured nationally televised game on Martin Luther King Day. An important part of the day's events is a symposium put on by the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. Every year they honor individuals who have not only been great athletes but have made contributions to society that have furthered civil rights in our country. This year, Centenary's own Robert Parish was celebrated as a "2020 Sports Legacy Honoree" along with WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes, Super Bowl XXII champion Doug Williams, and 14 year NBA veteran Caron Butler.

Kathryn and I are 1971 graduates of Centenary and have been living in the Memphis area since 1972. We thought it would be fun to go to the televised symposium to see our fellow Centenary alum, Robert Parish, as well as take in the New Orleans Pelicans versus Grizzlies game. I knew Robert had a great basketball career, but I didn't realize how truly extraordinary it was until Robert's introduction at the symposium. He holds the NBA record for most games played, which is 1,611 over his 21 year career. He received numerous accolades for his basketball prowess including his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame following a career that included four NBA titles. He won three championships while playing with Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics and one with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Robert was also named to the NBA All-Star Team nine times.

During the symposium Robert made many insightful comments, but what was most impressive to my wife and I was what he considered his most meaningful award. We were surprised that it had nothing to do with basketball...he said of all the awards he had received, he considered his college degree to be the greatest. He went on to say that when mentoring young people, he always emphasizes the importance of education.

As retired educators, Kathryn having taught Latin for 33 years and myself as a retired Chief of Staff for a K-12 system, Robert's comments on the significance of education were greatly appreciated. It's nice to know that one of Centenary's most famous alums still takes great pride in his college diploma.

While Robert Parish is in the Centenary basketball record books for points and rebounds, it bears mentioning I should be as well... albeit for an entirely different reason. From the Fall of 1966 until graduation I believe I achieved Centenary's all-time career medical bill. I suffered four knee injuries, with surgery on each knee, as well as receiving a new front tooth and numerous facial stitches (I was too slow to get out of the way of contact). While I would much rather have Robert's college basketball records than mine, I definitely share in his belief that we got a great education at Centenary.

I was extremely lucky to be able to attend Centenary on a basketball scholarship. College basketball had a two-fold significance for me. Not only did I receive outstanding instruction, but I also met my wife of 49 years, Kathryn Gray, while she held a student position in the Athletic Department. Coincidentally our wedding occurred on February 6, the day of 1971 basketball homecoming.

— Mike Tebbe ‘71

Do you have a fun or unusual “Centenary connection” story? Send us a note at news@centenary.edu!