Gemini basketball program coach Terry Coulthard honoured at 2026 Captains-Veterans game

Oxford Basketball Officials Association President Nino DeLuca (left) and Vice-President Paul Cowan (right) presented Tillsonburg Gemini coach Terry Coulthard (centre) with the Bill Gillespie Memorial Award prior to the 2026 Senior Boys Captains-Veterans game Wednesday, April 1 at Woodstock CI. (Jeff Tribe Photo)

Jeff Tribe, Echo Correspondent

The 2026 Captains/Veterans Boys’ Basketball Game gave the Tillsonburg Gemini program multi-faceted cause for celebration.

“Just came out and had some fun,” said Gemini Junior Wiredu, suiting up with the junior White team (Woodstock St. Mary’s, Ingersoll DCI, Lord Dorchester and Glendale) Wednesday, April 1 at Woodstock CI against the Purple squad (Woodstock CI, Woodstock College Avenue, Woodstock Huron Park and Dorchester).

“New players, way better competition,” added Wiredu’s Gemini and White teammate James Strathearn.

The White team would come out on the wrong end of a 91-65 decision, however the evening was far more about sharing an enjoyable experience and putting up some points than recording a ‘W.’

“Not a lot of defence being played either,” said Wiredu, admitting the lack thereof would not have been acceptable to Gemini coach Terry Coulthard. “Not at all, she’d put me on the bench right away.”

Strathearn (five points) and Tillsonburg teammate Trevin Patrick (six) hit a White team scoresheet led by 15 points from St. Mary’s Jessie Adeoye and 16 from fellow Warrior Josh Morgan. CASS Knights Lukas Mickevicius (28) and Kameron Roos (22) paced the Purple team’s attack.

Wiredu’s unofficial shout out to his bench boss was backed up prior to the senior game with The Oxford Basketball Officials Association (OBOA) Bill Gillespie Memorial Award. Recognizing service to basketball in the county prior to the senior game, it was presented to an ‘honoured and humbled’ coach Coulthard.

OBOA Vice-President Paul Cowan did the honours, describing how Coulthard - nee Carson - played high school basketball for College Avenue before going on to compete with the University of Waterloo Warriors. After a career as an educator and administrator and coaching experience, including she and husband David’s sons, Terry retired to the Tillsonburg area. Stepping up to fill post-COVID need within the Gemini program, Coulthard has coached both the boys’ and girls’ junior and senior teams since.

Beyond significant contribution to a program in need, Coulthard brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and the trademark of teams which compete game in, game out.

“They give maximum effort - or else,” smiled Cowan.

‘Honoured and humbled’ to accept the award, Coulthard spoke to the extra meaning the award imparted due to the fact she knew, admired and respected its namesake.

“Bill led by example and touched many lives.”

She thanked Glendale staff members Kiersten Sanderson and Kait Buchner for their invaluable support, and many volunteer hours contributed.

“And they willingly subject themselves to my running commentary every game,” Coulthard smiled.

Her approach is to back up player development in the game’s X’s and O’s with the intangibles of sport, commitment, sportsmanship, respect, accountability and teamwork.

“The we over me.”

Coulthard emphasized how coaching is a two-way street, she learning from the players while thoroughly enjoying a courtside seat to their broad-based development.

“It’s the relationships that drive me and I truly value,” Coulthard concluded.

Her Gemini senior boys had as much fun through their game, coming out with both a victory and a sense of appreciation for the award Coulthard received.

“She deserves it, been a great coach all four years,” said Tillsonburg graduating Grade 12 senior Jacob Mogg. “Inspirational - taught me a lot.”

Mogg scored 12 points through a 93-81 White team win over their senior Purple counterparts. Gemini teammates Sean Krahn (10) and Kayden Pittao (seven) also hit the scoresheet.

Huron Park’s Jance Jorgensen had 22 in a losing cause for the Purple team, a total highlighted by several dunks.

“Next year, hopefully,” concluded the returning Grade 11 Krahn, who came close on several occasions.