Former Harding head coach Gooden retires after illustrious career
Published: Mar. 23, 2023 at 7:13 PM EDT
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WPTA) - A local legend on the hardwood, head coach Al Gooden, announced his retirement after 35 years as a leader in Indiana.
Gooden concludes his career as the winningest Black high school coach in the state’s history, becoming the first to reach 500 wins in 2021.
A Wayne grad, Gooden played basketball at Ball State where he’d boast a Hall of Fame collegiate career with the Cardinals.
Gooden spent 21 years as the head coach with Harding, leading a state championship squad in 2001.
Gooden made the move from New Haven to Lawrence Central in 2014.
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