On Aug. 22, there was a gathering of family, supporters, residents and dignitaries to honor a former Catasauqua High School basketball star. The outside basketball court at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St., was officially designated as Walt Winch Court.

Winch’s wife, Donna, their son, Tyler, and grandchildren, Camden and Sloane, were there and received a citation from the Pennsylvania State Senate on behalf of Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, honoring Winch’s achievements on and off the basketball court.

Catasauqua Borough Mayor Barbara Schlegel read and presented a proclamation from her office that declared Aug. 22 as Walt Winch Day in Catasauqua. Borough council President Howard Cunningham, Councilman Gene Schlegel and Councilwoman Tara Nichols were also present to honor Winch. Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart was the master of ceremonies.

Nichols read a resolution from council celebrating Winch’s achievements, both on and off the court.

There was a plaque affixed to a large rock the public works department retrieved specifically for the dedication and placed by the court. The outdoor basketball court was emblazoned in two places with the wording Walt Winch Court.

During the ceremony, Camden and Sloane cut the ribbon, officially declaring the honor of naming of the court.

Those who knew him attest that Winch lived his life with heart, purpose and love for the game of basketball.

In his basketball career at Catasauqua, Winch, who wore No. 32, scored 1,396 points. He went on to star on the basketball team at Mansfield University, achieved Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference All-League designation and was selected to Mansfield’s All-Decade basketball team.

Winch, off the basketball court, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a school psychologist, basketball coach and a business owner.

The plaque at the court says, “His legacy lives on here.”

On Aug. 23, there was a free-throw contest held for community members that began 9:30 a.m. at Walt Winch Court.