Porter Memorial Gymnasium was packed for several reasons Thursday night, Feb. 4: It was the last home basketball game of the season; senior appreciation night; teams fighting for playoff positions; coaches scouting; and more. Hardly a seat in the house.

There was one other reason: Enter another seat, or more to the point, a bench, made in honor of and presented to longtime Seahawk boys varsity basketball coach I.J. Pinkham, who is Maine’s winningest schoolboy boys basketball coach and who recently won his 600th game.

Pinkham’s sons, Matthew and Timothy, carried the bench onto the court as Boothbay Region High School Principal Dan Welch explained that the bench was made from the wood salvaged when the old bleachers were replaced last fall. The bench was made by Jim Roberge of Greene, a friend of Boothbay Harbor Police Officer Larry Brown.

“Aside from success on the court, he has been a trusted mentor and role model for hundreds of his players,” said Welch, which was followed by a standing ovation from the Seahawk faithful. Pinkham, who was also recognized by Welch for guiding his teams to the post season play for 33 seasons, had to cut off the ovation by swiping his hand across his throat.

Attached to the bench were small plaques. One read, “I.J. Pinkham, 600th Win, January 22, 2016” and the other read “Porter Memorial Gymnasium Bleachers, 1955-2015.”

The presentation was made after the introduction of his senior players.

Unfortunately, Pinkham’s win total didn’t increase as the Seahawks went down to defeat against Madison.