In December, HF reported a story in E-News asking readers for donations to install basketball court flooring inside the first school for black students in Mineral Wells, Texas. In January, the project’s main supporter, Clarence Holliman, a former mayor, teacher and principal in Mineral Wells, received more than he asked for.
A former pupil of Holliman’s, Jesse Cienega, heard about the project through a local TV news broadcast in December. Cienega wasn’t just any alumnus—he is the general manager and CFO of OaKline Floors in nearby Fort Worth. He told Holliman that OaKline, along with The Master’s Craft, would install, sand and finish the floor free of charge.
After years of trying to get a floor in the gym, Holliman was blown away by the gesture, Cienega said.
“He told us that there’s a reason for everything and God put us there for a reason,” Cienega said.
OaKline went to work. The wood they installed was old—Holliman had recovered it from a church. Despite its ugly first impression, turned out to be No.1 maple, Cienega said. OaKline installed the floor, sanded it and put down one coat of finish. Then a two-man team from The Master’s Craft in Dallas painted the basketball court lines. Once the lines dried, a final coat was applied and the court was ready for showtime.
Cienega was able to go to the first practice held on the gym court. The parents walked in the door and were in awe of the floor, Cienega said.
They didn’t know Cienega’s role in turning the court from nothing to something, but Cienega wasn’t worried about that.
“I got thanks for Mr. Holliman, and you know that’s what counts, being able to help my old principal,” he said.
