Man devotes 27 years to coaching local athletes
By Field Manley Intern

Pictured are, from left, assistant coach Lisa Flakes and members of a youth team Dukes coaches Emily Flakes, Mary Lynn Murray, Laura Askew, Alexis Gordon, Nicole Rachel, Hailee Hogan, Ketura Williams, Jaroya Whitfield, Kiahna Jackson, and coach Dukes.

He's impacted more than 1,000 players for nearly three decades, and he's still going strong.

Willie Dukes started his coaching career 27 years ago after a breakup with his girlfriend. "Instead of doing something stupid after the breakup, I decided to start coaching softball," he said. He has gone on to coach boys and girls basketball also.

He is respected among the high school basketball and softball communities because he teaches his players the essential aspects of the game. "About ninety-five percent of my players make their middle and high school teams because they know the rules and fundamentals," Dukes said. "The schools always want to know who I will be sending them next."

Dukes has had about a dozen of his players go on to play sports on the college level. He said some players have come back to thank him for his "tough" style of coaching. "Sometimes I make my players cry," he said, "but they tell me it pays off when they get to college."

One thing Dukes tells his players over and over is if they start something, they must finish it. "I want my players to work hard but I also want them to have fun."

He said the most exciting moment came when he was coaching an all-star team playing against Vidalia. "Waynesboro and Vidalia were rivals, so it was exciting to be a part of that, even though we lost the game."

Dukes says he's also gained a few things from his players. "I have learned you must treat all children the same, and that has also helped me become a better parent.

Rolene Rowell, director of the Burke County Recreation Department, appreciates the time and effort he spends as a volunteer coach. "He is very dedicated to the children and adults he coaches," she said, adding that he's knowledgeable about the sports he coaches, and has taken personal vacation time to coach his all- star teams.

He's also had some colorful moments over the years. "I remember the summer he got me in trouble," she said laughing. "He told the mothers that he would make them run if his players were late for practice."

Dukes is also willing to go the extra mile for his players. "If the kids don't have a ride to and from practice I'll pick them up and drop them off," he said. His players feel that he is a very dedicated coach also. "If anyone wants to practice at any time we can call him and he will meet us," said Tonya Burdette, who plays on his adult women's team. Many of his current and former players say that he "fusses a lot" but it helps them realize their potential. "He taught me to never give up, and that if I had the skill and passion to play, I should keep on playing," said former player Henrietta Crumbly. "I'll never forget coach Dukes."

Currently Dukes coaches youth and adult softball. He also expressed a desire to maybe coach baseball next year.

Retirement isn't on the horizon for Dukes. "I don't want to retire until one of my players makes it to the NBA or WNBA."