Coach Stephen “Bird” Powell Court Dedication
Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Lebanon High School
At the School District of Lancaster, we believe that a great coach does more than build a winning program. A great coach builds character, community, and opportunities that last long after the final buzzer. Few people embodied that belief more fully than Coach Stephen “Bird” Powell.
This Friday, December 12, we will dedicate the McCaskey basketball court in Coach Powell’s honor. It is a celebration years in the making, recognizing a man whose leadership shaped the lives of hundreds of students and families across our district.
Coach Powell is the all-time winningest boys basketball coach in Lancaster-Lebanon League history with a remarkable record of 468–245 across 26 seasons. But to measure his impact only in numbers would miss the heart of who he was. His story is one of loyalty, service, and a commitment to young people that went far beyond the game.
He began his McCaskey journey in 1972 as a dedicated assistant to Pete Horn for 21 seasons. When he became head coach in 1993, he poured his energy into building a program rooted in pride, accountability, and care. Under his leadership, the Red Tornado captured:
• Eleven L-L League Section One titles
• Nine L-L League championships
• Two District Three big-school titles
• Two trips to the PIAA big-school semifinals
Those achievements tell only part of the story. Coach Powell created opportunities behind the scenes that most never saw. He paid for meals after games so players never went home hungry. He bought uniforms, sneakers, and warmups with his own money so every student could feel confident and equal. He covered the cost of basketball camps and academic tutoring. He opened doors to summer jobs through his own network, believing that stability and purpose off the court were just as important as performance on it.
His generosity came from a simple belief that “you do right by kids, no matter what it takes.”
Even in the final years of his career, as he battled oral cancer, Coach Powell continued to lead with courage. He coached from 2014 to 2018 despite losing his ability to eat solid foods or speak. When others asked how he found the strength, he offered a lesson that continues to guide us today.
“The best way to battle cancer,” he would say, “is to think about the people who love and care about you.”
Coach Powell brought that heart to every team, every player, and every season.
His influence stretches far beyond Lancaster. From Chester High School, where he captained the 1968 team, to his years as a standout scholar-athlete at Millersville State College, he built a legacy of leadership and excellence. His contributions have been honored by the Millersville University Sports Hall of Fame, the Susquehanna Sports Hall of Fame, and the Chester High Hall of Fame.
Friday’s dedication is about naming all the lives he lifted, all the young people he believed in, and all the moments he created that helped students see their own potential.
As the Red Tornado take the floor, we will remember a coach who gave everything he had to this community. We will celebrate a mentor who changed lives with his example. And we will honor the lasting impact of a man who proved that greatness is measured not only in victories but in the people you lift along the way.
The McCaskey court will now carry his name. The values he instilled will carry on through every player who walks across it.
We invite our families, alumni, and community members to join us for this meaningful moment. Coach Powell gave his heart to McCaskey. It is our privilege to give this honor to him.
