James Naismith Court Dedication Ceremony (November 30, 2007)

This seven minute video shows the dedication ceremony of Springfield College’s James Naismith Court. Dr. Flynn, the college’s twelfth president, gave the dedication. During the speech, Dr. Flynn primarily spoke about the life of James Naismith, the father of basketball. Present at the ceremony were members of the Naismith family, such as Ian Naismith (a grandson of Naismith), Rachel Naismith (the assistant director of the library and great granddaughter), Evan Naismith (great-great grandson), and Ben Naismith (great-great grandson). Also present was the director of athletics Dr. Cathie Schweitzer and the head men’s basketball coach Charlie Brock. The refurbished basketball court is located in Blake Arena. Because work was underway on the surface in the previous June when the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel gave final approval to moving the three-point line, the court also may have the distinction of being the first collegiate basketball facility to display the twenty-foot, nine-inch circle that was used beginning with the 2008-09 season. At the court’s dedication ceremony, Dr. Flynn said, "In honoring James Naismith, we also honor important values that guided him as an innovator, educator, physician and minister. James Naismith believed strongly that a balanced development of one's spirit, mind and body is the foundation of a fully realized life and the ability to contribute to the well-being of other people. We call that philosophy humanics, and it has guided all aspects of the Springfield College education for more than a century." At the end of the video, they roll up a purple carpet, revealing James Naismith’s name on the court