RAPID CITY - The memories and laughs were flowing Friday afternoon at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center clubhouse as the Lakota Nation Invitational and former players honored coaching legend Dave Strain.

Strain coached at Lead-Deadwood High School for three years before going to Rapid City Central, where he coached for the next 24 years.

"I've been very fortunate to be a part of this town and this community," said Strain. "I want to thank the players and my family. Today was a great day."

As players and colleagues took turns speaking of Strain, one reoccurring theme was talked about - coach Strain was more than just a basketball coach- he was a mentor, teacher of life and a father figure.

"I was never really close to my father, and I wonder what kind of man I would have become without the influence of Dave Strain in my life," said former player Jack Morris. "Playing for him was more than about being a basketball player, it was about becoming a man. Everything I ever learned from him I've tried to teach to my son."

Strain grew up in White River where as a high school player he led White River to the Class B state tournament. He went on to play college basketball at South Dakota State University before joining the coaching ranks.

"He always took care of his players behind the scenes," said Doug Foley, who played in 1974. "He did things for his kids that no one ever saw. I played harder for him than I ever believed I was capable of."

During his tenure at Rapid City Central, Strain had more all-state and all-tournament players than any other school in the state while winning two state championships in 1969 and 1980. He went to 18 state tournaments and had a career record of 398-231.

"Dave Strain brought a tradition of basketball that made me proud to be a Cobbler," said Marty Waukazoo, who played for Strain in 1967. "He's much more than a coach to me, he helped me in life. I'm still trying to do things to impress him."

At the end of the reunion, coach Strain was given a Cobbler letterman's jacket from former players, imprinted on the front were the words 'Coach Strain.'

It is a name that will also be imprinted as one of the greatest coaches in the history of South Dakota high school basketball.