The Arrowhead Classic is all about basketball, but if you look a little closer there’s something more important than the numbers on the scoreboard. Community.
Coaches, players, cheerleaders, the band, parents, and spectators all come out to show their support. Those people are easy to spot, but volunteers who help behind the scenes can be a little harder to find.
For 38 years, Roy Rogers gave his time as one of those volunteers. The Johnston City High School alumnus videotaped basketball games, football games, and homecoming activities out of the kindness of his heart.
On January 21st, the Johnston City School District will recognize Rogers for a major accomplishment. In the spring, the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association will award Rogers the Friend of Basketball accolade putting him into the organization’s 2025 Hall of Fame.
Former Johnston City Mayor Jimmy Dean, who also referees basketball games, nominated Rogers after noticing his dedication to the Johnston City School District year after year.
“He’s got a service heart,” Dean explains. “Roy did all of this just because he wanted to help the school. People don’t realize all the long bus rides and being away from your family. People like (Roy) don’t always get recognition.”
Many see Rogers as a humble man who shies away from the spotlight. When asked what it means to receive this accolade, Rogers’ answer fit his reputation.
“Well just thank you,” he says. “When I started my boys were playing football, so I started filming them and never quit until last year."
During his years of service, Rogers made some lasting memories and can recall his favorite.
“The fun part was going on the long rides for the playoffs,” he remembers. “I always got the front, right seat of the bus.
High School Basketball Coach Scott Burzynski is one of many people to share a bus ride with Rogers. Burzynski appreciates all the hard work the volunteer has put in over the years.
“Roy has been a tremendous blessing to Johnston City athletics,” Burzynski adds. “The decades of service is second to none. The Johnston City basketball program would simply say "Thank You" and congratulations on your Hall of Fame honor. We would like to wish Roy and his family many more years of happiness.”
Coaches, players, cheerleaders, the band, parents, and spectators will all fill the high school gymnasium for night two of the Arrowhead classic. The basketball games will mean more to the community than an annual tournament. It's a way to show appreciation for Rogers and everything he did to give back.
The Johnston City School District encourages members of the community to attend the Arrowhead Classic tournament to show their support for Rogers. He'll receive recognition before the 7:30 p.m. game.
In May, Rogers will also attend the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame Banquet in Bloomington. He’ll receive his award then with other recipients from across the state including coaches, players, teams and media personalities.