The Savannah-Chatham school system released this statement today:
After 35 dedicated years of service to A.E. Beach High School as the head coach of the 1999-2000 “Lady Bulldogs” state champion basketball team, Coach Ronald Booker will announce his retirement at a press conference to be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in the Joe Greene Complex, Beach High School’s gymnasium.
Coach Ronald Booker, a 1964 graduate of A.E. Beach High School has been the head coach of the “Lady Bulldogs” basketball team for the past 35 years. He has also served as the school’s Athletic Director for the last 10 years.
Under the direction of Coach Booker, the “Lady Bulldogs” have won 786 games, winning more than 80% of all basketball games played throughout his coaching career. The “Lady Bulldogs” have earned 12 Sub-Region “B” titles, (20) 3-AAAA and 3-AAAAA Region Championships and one 1-AAA Region Championship for a total of 21 Regional Championships. The team has 9 Christmas Invitational Tournament Championships and has been undefeated in the Joe Greene Tip-Off Classic for 30 out of 33 years.
The “Lady Bulldogs” have made 30 GHSA State Basketball Tournament appearances and won the 1999-2000 Girls State Championship.
During the 36 years of his teaching career, Coach Booker has been recognized as Beach High School’s Teacher of the Year in 1995, 1999, and 2001. Coach Ronald Booker has also been named the Savannah Area Coach of the Year 11 times, GACA Region Coach of the Year 20 times and the GHSA Coach of the Year for the State of Georgia in 1999-2000.
Coach Booker has been honored for his work with the youth of Savannah by many churches and community organizations. He most recently was inducted into the A.E. Beach High School Hall of Fame and the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame.
Believing that education is the foundation and key to being successful in life, many of Coach Booker’s athletes have received athletic and academic scholarships to various major colleges and universities. During his coaching career he also coached football, baseball, volleyball, softball, and track. Coach Booker is married to Mrs. Ruby Booker. The couple has 3 children and 5 grandchildren.
“Coach Booker has been a valuable asset to our athletic program here at Beach High School and an outstanding role model for our students. We wish him well in his retirement,” stated Mr. Derrick Muhammad, A.E. Beach High School Principal. Coach Booker’s retirement will be effective June 30, 2013.