Charles “Chuck” Granby, who retired from coaching the Campus Magnet High School boys basketball team after 45 years, had his official retirement party on Saturday.
Many past players, including Orlando Magic forward Kyle O’Quinn and Brooklyn Councilman Robert Cornegy, were in attendance to honor the PSAL’s winningest basketball coach.
Granby’s past and current players gave testimonials, many of which referred to the coach’s famous “ugly life” speech — which means that without education, everything in your life will be “ugly.” They attributed their success in life to
Granby’s focus on their education over their basketball skills.
“Looking in a room like this, this is a testament to him,” Cornegy said. “It strengthens my resolve to go on and continue to work with young people.”
Granby, 72, has won 722 games in his time at the school. He has taught basketball to thousands of teens over the years, and his teams have won 24 division titles, seven Queens championships and the coveted city title in 1985.
He was presented a crystal cube with his picture from a former player and also a special quilt featuring highlights of his career at Campus Magnet, formerly Andrew Jackson High School.
“It’s so emotional,” Granby’s daughter Robyn Granby-Poole said. “It was good to get it done.”
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