Coach Amick Night to honor coach, raise scholarship funds
During the men and women's basketball games at Arizona Western College on Wednesday night, the AWC Foundation will honor Jim Amick for his 30 years as a coach on the campus.
The evening has been dubbed the Coach Jim Amick Scholarship Night to not only recognize Amick for his years of service as a leader to student athletes, but also to raise funds for scholarships in memory of his son, James.
The event will be held simultaneously during the 5 p.m. women's basketball game and the 7 p.m. men's basketball game against Glendale Community College at The House (gym) on AWC's Main Campus, 2020 S. Avenue 8E. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for military, seniors and kids under 12. AWC/NAU-Yuma students with IDs get in for free.
Programs will be given out to reflect Amick's family and career over the years, and popsicle sticks with photos of his face will be given out for fans to wave every time AWC scores a basket. Additionally, the AWC Foundation will accept donations via cash, check or credit card to go toward the Amick scholarship.
AWC Foundation executive director Christina Hawkey said, “This is a great way for the community to support what we consider a legend at AWC — a legend of a person who has influenced young men in countless ways throughout many, many years.”
The Matadors garnered a trio of conference titles and two NJCAA Tournament berths with Amick as their coach in the 1980s. When he stepped down in 1990, he provided guidance to Dave Babcock as he took the Matadors to four straight Region I Playoff berths. Amick later took over when Babcock received an offer to move up to the NBA right before the Matadors' 1996 season.
“Amick's final overall head coaching record was an amazing 292-91 mark,” stated AWC.
“Plus, the valuable influence and wealth of knowledge Amick has provided over the last 15 seasons has helped lead the Matadors to five Region I Championships, four NJCAA Tournament appearances and 14 consecutive Region I Playoff berths.”
For more information, contact Hawkey at Christina.Hawkey@azwestern.edu or 344-1723.
Sarah Womer can be reached at swomer@yumasun.com or 539-6858. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSSarahWomer or on Twitter at @YSSarahWomer.
