WILSON, N.C. – Barton College, the Division of Athletics, and the Office of the President proudly announce that the court in Wilson Gymnasium will be permanently named in honor of long-time Head Men's Basketball Coach
Ron Lievense. Wilson Gymnasium is the home of the Bulldogs' men's and women's basketball and volleyball squads.
Simultaneously, Barton College is launching an endowment campaign to name the men's basketball head coach position in Lievense's honor and to ensure the long-term vitality and success of the men's basketball program.
"
We are thrilled to name the court in Wilson Gymnasium in honor of Coach (Ron) Lievense," said
Ken Tyler, Barton Vice President and Director of Athletics. "
His leadership positively impacted generations of student-athletes, colleagues and friends, and his name on the court and on the endowment will serve as fitting reminders of his powerful legacy."
Lievense retired last spring after a 29-year run as Bulldogs' mentor. Lievense guided Barton to a 518-314 mark including 10 seasons of 20 more wins. Lievense also led the Bulldogs to the 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship, six Conference Carolinas regular season championships, four league regular season titles and seven berths in the NCAA Division II Playoffs including back-to-back regional titles (2006 and 2007). Lievense was named the 2007 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Coach of the Year as well.
Lievense's name will be painted on the court later this year with a dedication ceremony in 2026.