COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – An iconic Coldwater sports figure, the late coach Floyd Eby, will be honored this month when the Coldwater High School Gymnasium will be re-named and dedicated in honor of his long-time support of Coldwater athletics. The recognition will happen on Friday, February 20, as part of the Coldwater High School Hall of Fame Athletic Induction Ceremony.
During the ceremony held between the girls and boys basketball games, long time CHS track coach and retired teacher Jim Bilsborrow will speak about the impact Coach Eby had on sports in the community. The gym will be re-named the Coach Floyd Eby Gymnasium. This honor for Coach Eby was made possible through a grant at the Branch County Community Foundation from the Coach Eby Memorial Fund in the amount of $5,000.
Coach Eby was a part of the Coldwater High School sports scene from the mid-1940’s until 1964. During that time he served as athletic director, head basketball coach, head football coach, golf coach, tennis coach, and baseball coach with the height of his career in 1949 with a State Champion Basketball team. One year after Eby began his teaching and coaching career in Coldwater, he departed to join the U.S. military for service in World War II. He returned two years later in 1946 to continue his love of teaching and athletics.
The February 20th dedication will also include a plaque to be displayed in the glass showcase of Coach Eby’s accomplishments.
