Goddard's tennis courts may not be named after former coach John Markham, but anyone who walks through the pathway between the courts should know something about him after tonight's 6:30 ceremony at Goddard.

On the masonry brick in the walkway area between the courts, placed there to protect it from the elements, is a commemorative plaque that gives simple but important details of Markham's life, including 25 years as the Lions' tennis coach.

For sentimental reasons it is also located just under where state championship banners hang.

"As a coach and as a friend we know that his 25 years of coaching Goddard tennis can never be replaced," the plaque reads. "His teaching of patience, respect and competition will always be a part of those he touched."

Roughly nine months after his Oct. 22 death, due to complications caused by liver disease, people close to the tennis program found a way to keep his name associated with the school's tennis courts.

"It will be a good reminder to us each and every day whether we're at the tennis court in contest or in practice," Goddard tennis coach Dan Buchanan said.

Markham's immediate family will be at the ceremony, as well as area coaches and former and current Goddard tennis players.

Cara Wright and Jared Ferris, winners of the inaugural John Markham Memorial Scholarship, will also be present tonight. The scholarship was created to give senior students who excelled in classroom and on the tennis court an extra boost heading into college. The Markham family selected both the male and female recipients.

"I think the scholarship is just another great way of leaving coach's legacy," said former Goddard tennis player Ben Hofmeier.

Hofmeier, an engineering physics major at Kansas, is one of the many students to be touched by Markham's coaching.

"It's just another way for him to give back. He's giving back even after he's passed on. It's another way to get his name remembered and because of how truly great a guy he was, he should be remembered."

It will be an emotional day for the Markham family, but also a gratifying day.

"It's kind of overwhelming to just see all of the people and all of the support," said John's son, Kyle Markham. "It really means a lot to me and my family. We're really looking forward to it, and it's going to be a pretty big deal. It's really neat to see these people honor my dad like this."