Troy renames practice facility in Trojan Arena before weekend game

Troy announces renaming of practice facility prior to game against App State, celebrates John Harrsion's contributions

Troy University honored alumnus and Board of Trustees member John Harrison on Saturday by renaming the practice gym inside Trojan Arena. 

The John Harrison Center now features a plaque in front of its doorway honoring the 1992 ‘Distinguished Alum of the Year.’ Harrison joined the Board of Trustees in 1995. He is also a former mayor of Luverne, Alabama, for 15 years along with the president of First Citizens Bank in Banks, Alabama. 

“John is a great family man, and a man of faith,” said Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr. “We are very fortunate to be in a position to honor him, and he honors us by allowing us to do so.” 

After joining the Board of Trustees, Harrison was instrumental in the hiring of legendary men’s basketball coach Don Maestri.  

Over 31 seasons, Maestri developed Troy State into a Division II powerhouse, making the DII Final Four in both the 1987-88 and 1992-93 seasons. He also won a combined six conference regular season and tournament championships. 

Harrison also heavily advocated for a new basketball facility. 

“When we were in the old facility, Sartain [Hall], where the seats were too narrow and there was no leg room, he would also make sure to tell me we needed a new facility,” Hawkins said. “So finally in 2012, we gave him that.” 

The practice gym, now named after Harrison, sits in the basement floor of Trojan Arena, proudly titled “The John Harrison Center” in honor of a man who represents what it means to be a Trojan.