Basketball courts to honor Farris

SANDUSKY — Naming a pair of basketball courts after a talented, albeit humble, hooper came as a slam-dunk decision for Sandusky officials. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners unanimously agreed to dedicate Farwell Park's two basketball playing areas after the late John B. Farris Jr. Going forward, they'll forever be known as the John B. Farris Jr. Courts. They're located at Farwell Park on Fifth Street near a Sandusky fire station by Cedar Point Drive. "It's just an honor," John's late wife, Priscilla Farris, told commissioners. "I appreciate it. I really do." A dedication ceremony should occur this spring, lining up with when crews install new playground equipment there. The courts themselves, meanwhile, underwent a facelift in 2024 with a fresh playing surface and new baskets installed. Why the name change? John, a 1970 Sandusky High School graduate and a standout Blue Streaks basketball player who set several school records, passed away in 2020 shortly after being diagnosed with early stages of dementia. He was 68. For years, John and his family members — who are Black — kept many details about his life private, including those about widespread racial discrimination and false allegations made against him while as an educator for Port Clinton Schools in the 1980s and 1990s. This led to him never getting rightful opportunities to advance in his once-promising career, family members said. Eight days before John's death, the Register published a news story — on Jan. 17, 2020 — summarizing what happened based on an interview with him and using accounts from immediate family members, including his son, Jahn Farris. In the six years since, John's family has brought more attention to his life. This would include a documentary, now in post-production, recapping his entire life with a heavy emphasis on what happened with Port Clinton Schools and its aftermath. Producers have not yet revealed a release date. His family also successfully campaigned to posthumously induct John into Sandusky High School's athletic hall of fame. And the latest achievement to memorialize him involved a court renaming. John grew up near Farwell Park and spent nearly every free waking hour of his childhood at these courts, developing his skills and even maintaining the space's look by, among other ways, picking up litter. "This was his comfort zone," Jahn said. "He came here to work on his game and play the game that he loved." While dating, Priscilla recalls spending many days at the court, watching her future husband play basketball. "He really did play there all the time. He could see it from the backyard of his home," Priscilla said. "He always had me sitting at the park while he played some games or just maintained it." So what would John think of all this? "I'd imagine he's happy," Priscilla said. "He just really loved it, and to have his name on it really means a lot. He dedicated himself to making sure that the park was kept up and the kids could play there and served as a mentor. That's why it means a lot." Speaking up Many commissioners spoke about why they decided to rename the courts in John Farris' honor. This would include: • Richard Koonce: Mr. Farris was an incredible basketball player, but, more than that, he was an incredible man. And I say he was an incredible man because he was a humble man who walked humbly. And although he had some challenges that he faced, because of how he was treated, he still walked humbly, and he still did what he needed to do to be strong and to be an example to others. He was a praying man. That's what I appreciated about him. I liked how he carried himself, and he's been an influence for me in how he carried himself. I'm grateful to be part of his moment and grateful to see the family, and we are able to do this. • Gregg Peugeot: The city commission honors John B. Farris Jr. by naming the basketball courts at Farwell Park in his memory, recognizing his extraordinary journey as a trailblazing athlete, educator and coach who exemplified resilience and dedication. As a standout basketball player at Sandusky High School, John set records and inspired generations with his talent and spirit. Growing up, John worked on his game every day at the courts at Farwell Park, and his parents', John Sr. and Ella Farris, home still overlooks the park to this day. This naming preserves his legacy as a symbol of perseverance and community service, ensuring that his story of triumph over adversity continues to motivate future leaders. For the youth who will play, learn and grow here, the park serves as a living reminder that character, hard work, integrity and kindness can create lasting change, fostering a sense of pride and possibility in our diverse community. • Kate Vargo: When the weather gets a little warmer, and we get the snow melted off the courts, we will go out there with you (the Farris family) and dedicate that spot with some sort of a plaque or some memorialization there. I did a little research about Farwell Park. I've lived here my whole life and thought, why is it named Farwell Park? Farwell Park was named after Moors Farwell, who was here before the city of Sandusky became the city of Sandusky (officially platted and recorded as the city of Sandusky in 1818). He actually became the first mayor of Sandusky. He was a trailblazer for our community. And when I thought about that, I'm sure he would think that it was pretty special that we have a trailblazer like John Farris Jr. Everyone who plays basketball at Farwell Park now will hopefully understand who John Farris Jr. is, and this tribute will hopefully set a great example for them to become the type of person he was.