Board considers naming Vicksburg High court after Coach Dellie Robinson

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — A petition to honor longtime Vicksburg High School basketball coach and pastor Dellie C. Robinson by naming the school’s court after him was brought before the Vicksburg Warren School District board during its regular meeting Thursday.

Reverend Casey Fisher, a former player, coach and referee, appeared during public participation to make the request.

“I recommend Coach Dellie C. Robinson,” Fisher told the board. “I go to these schools and people’s names are on these courts, because of their success. … Those gold balls at Vicksburg High School? Dellie C. Robinson helped get them. I just want to petition the board to allow the court for his name to be placed.”

Fisher said that Robinson’s career — marked by championships, college recruits, and community respect — warranted the recognition. He also noted that district precedent shows honorees do not have to be deceased, citing fields already named for living figures such as Lucy Young.

Trustee Joe Loviza voiced support for the proposal. “I know him personally, Coach Robinson, and he has been a wonderful influence. That name will look good on Vicksburg High School,” he said.

Board attorney Briggs Hopson clarified that while district policy normally limits naming rights to deceased individuals, the board has previously waived the rule through formal resolutions. “You’ve got to have a resolution to waive the policy, otherwise it’s invalid,” Hopson said. He pointed to earlier cases involving Robert Morgan and Jim Sturgis Sr.

Loviza then amended his motion to authorize Hopson to prepare the necessary resolution, which is expected to be presented at the next board meeting.