The Park University community is mourning and celebrating the life of a long-time coach and community member.
Joe C. Meriweather, former Women’s basketball team coach, died of natural causes at the age of 59 on Oct. 13, at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, Ga, according to a press release.
A memorial service was held for Meriweather at Breckon Sports Center Oct. 17 where hundreds attended.
Meriweather spent 10 years in the NBA playing for the Houston Rockets; Atlanta Hawks; New Orleans Jazz; New York Knicks; in Bologna, Italy; Barcelona Spain; and his last five years playing for the Kansas City Kings.
After hanging up his jersey, he continued his love of basketball by becoming a coach. Meriweather coached for Park from 1997-2010 bringing in 128 victories.
In 2006, Meriweather’s women’s basketball team made it to the NAIA tournament.
“There were many of those games that we played, that on paper, we weren’t supposed to win,” said Crystal Matthews-Watson, assistant coach the year that the women went to the tournament.
“But because of the family mentality that we had, that’s why we had the season that we had.”
Matthews-Watson recalled her coaching days with Meriweather fondly.
“We made a great team, and it was apparent in our years of coaching together,” she said. “Those girls were like daughters to Joe C. He was constantly spoiling them, would have given them his last, and going to bat for them because he believed in them. Joe C was always telling all of his girls that they needed to respect themselves first, and that they were beautiful and successful no matter what.”
Randi Johnson had an opportunity to play for Meriweather from 2003-2005 and explains her reasons to play at Park.
“Like so many others, Joe C was the reason I came to play for Park,” Johnson said. “He treated all of his players equal, no matter what.”
For Meriweather, it was important to stay connected with the community, and not only did being a father come first to him, but the value of family was apparent in everything he did.
Meriweather was the CEO of the 3C’s Fatherhood Project. The project’s mission is to help relight the fire in the men’s hearts for their families.
Meriweather was also an active participant in the Native Vision project. The goal behind the Native Vision camps was not only about the sport, but also about the lifestyle. The impact that he had on those kids made life long impacts.
Matthews-Watson remembered Meriweather as a compassionate, dedicated, role model.
“There was no such thing as “NO” to him,” she said. “He was always asking ‘what can I do for you’. If it helped someone out he did it. But he made you work for it.”
Meriweather’s memory will resonant within Breckon Sports Center for years to come, according to Sarah Hopkins-Chery, current assistant women’s basketball coach.
“When Joe C. left Park, he didn’t leave Park,” Hopkins-Chery said.
Meriweather’s spirit is still thriving in the Park basketball program.
“It’s like a family,” said Hopkins-Chery. “That idea continues to follow through this program.”
Tenysha Brown, player for Meriweather from 2000-2004, has now moved on to coaching as well. She reflected on the impact that Meriweather has on her coaching techniques.
“From day one, he was the same way and the same guy with everyone that he came into contact with,” Brown said. “I want to leave the same impression on my players.”
Meriweather’s death came as a shock to his friends, family and everyone that he had made contact with, but it is apparent that his legacy will live on.
“Joe C. lived a full life, and I believe he did all that he was supposed to do with his life,” said Matthews-Watson. “He was a life changer, and I guarantee that he had no regrets.”
