The Centralia City Council declared Monday as George “Jeff” Carling Day in the city to recognize the significance of his contributions to the basketball world.
The former Centralia High School, Kinmundy/Alma, and Kaskaskia College basketball coach is remembered in the proclamation as an area legend who made an impact on the lives of area residents.
Centralia City Councilman “Spanky” Smith asked for the resolution to honor the late coach.
“To know him was to love him for the things he did here in Centralia. His ability to communicate and motivate were second to none. He was a really good guy, good for the city, good for everybody.”
Mayor Herb Williams had work with Carling on recruiting.
“Very blessed to have a person come along at that particular time like Jeff, and do the things he did to re-establish and re-organize Orphan basketball and later on Blue Devil basketball. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out for him and his family.”
Carling was Orphans coach for three years in the 1970’s followed by a decade at Kaskaskia College.
The resolution closes by saying Jeff had a passion for bringing out the best in young people through his legendary motivational speeches and coaching skills.
