Msgr. McClancy M.H.S., East Elmhurst, head varsity basketball coach Don Kent was one of four honorees of the Holy Name Foundation’s seventh annual dinner dance, Oct. 29 at Gargiulo’s Restaurant, Coney Island.

Kent was the recipient of the Outstanding Community Service Award. John Clarke (Holy Name ‘48), John Davis (managing director at BlackRock) and Father John Gildea (Holy Name ‘54) were the other honored guests.

“I’m honored that they [Holy Name Foundation] thought enough of me to honor me,” said Kent. “It’s all for a good cause, and it brings the parish together.”

Kent graduated from Holy Name Elementary School, Park Slope, in 1958. This fall marks his 40th season coaching high school basketball and 30th at McClancy.

“The McClancy Hall of Fame, the Catholic High School Hall of Fame, the New York State Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame…Maybe it means I’ve been around a long time,” Kent said with a smile as he recited his accomplishments.

Despite being diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2010, Kent returned to the basketball court last fall without missing a beat. He looks forward to many more years of success in his passion, especially as the Crusaders gear up for another hoops season.

“God’s been good to me,” said Kent. “We’ll be competitive this year, and we’ll find a way to win.”