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Rick O’Brien, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
With water bottles at the ready, the Lower Merion players hid in the back part of the locker room. And when Gregg Downer finally arrived, he was doused from all directions. A hoarse-voiced Downer guided the Aces to a 72-55 victory over Central League rival Garnet Valley Tuesday night at the Kobe Bryant Gymnasium. It marked his 500th victory in 26 seasons at the school.
“I’ve been doing this a long time, and it’s produced this number,” said Downer holding his 2 1/2-year-old daughter, Bryn near center court. “I don’t really get caught up in numbers, but it means a lot.”
Many of the Lower Merion faithful, known as Aces Nation, were on hand for the milestone. So, too, were about 15 former players, including B.J. Johnson, now at La Salle University, and Greg Robbins.Downer, a health and physical education teacher at the school, has compiled a 500-214 record (.700 winning percentage). He has guided the squad to 12 Central League championships, three PIAA Class AAAA titles, and a District 1 crown.
“He’s the most intense coach I’ve ever been around,” Lower Merion senior point guard K.J. Helton said. “He loves to win. And that shows in practice. Everything we do has a purpose.”
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Lower Merion Head Basketball Coach Gregg Downer celebrates his 500th victory. (Charles Fox/Staff Photographer)
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