In February 2026, the Town of Mount Pleasant and the Charleston County School District named the Moultrie Middle School basketball court after Otto B. German, a longtime Lowcountry supporter of youth sports. The accompanying ceremony came eight months after being suggested to the town’s Education Committee.
More than just a dedication and the naming of a court, both the event and effort represent not only German’s decades of service to the community but honor an individual who influenced countless others with his mentoring and example of grace under pressure. “He went here when it was Moultrie High and was kind of a pioneer during integration and a standout athlete,” said Moultrie Middle Principal Nick Reece. “I don’t think we could have picked a better person for this honor.”
The effort was spearheaded by Wando High alumnus and community member Tripp Moye, who presented the idea to the Education Committee in June 2025. The February dedication was memorable in that it coincided with German’s 75th birthday. “I practically lived in the Moultrie Middle School gym during my elementary and middle school years, where coach German was a constant presence – mentoring, teaching and instilling life lessons through the game of basketball,” Moye said in his 2025 presentation. “I am deeply grateful for the countless hours he devoted to youth development and for the profound influence he had on my life and the lives of so many others.”
That influence has so far spanned more than 50 years. While attending the College of Charleston in 1970, German became the second black student-athlete to receive a full basketball scholarship. After graduation, he served the college for 46 years in various capacities, such as assistant director of financial aid and veteran affairs, assistant director of student affairs and assistant athletic director for NCAA compliance.
“His leadership has built bridges, shattered barriers and inspired generations of young people to achieve greatness,” said Matt Roberts, who has served as CofC’s athletic director since 2017. “I had the pleasure of working alongside Otto at the College of Charleston and experienced his impact firsthand.”
In a recent Facebook post, Town Councilman Daniel Brownstein indicated that much of the Civil Rights uncertainty in 1970 was bettered by German’s attitude and approach. “Coach German was part of a group of 50 black students who integrated General William Moultrie High School,” said Brownstein. “The path was not easy, but he devoted his life to mentoring young people on and off the court.”
Prior to the Moultrie Middle honor, Mayor Will Haynie proclaimed Feb. 20, 2026, as Otto Bernard German Day in Mount Pleasant.
German said in CofC’s Milestones page that of all his efforts, the one he is still especially fond of is accepting the challenge in 1970 to be “a part of change” to integrating the College of Charleston.
“During that time, integration wasn’t accepted by all. Some were pleasant and accepting while others were not,” he said, noting that his 1973 graduation came after a long struggle against “many who thought I wouldn’t make it.”
“Coach Otto German not only ‘talks the talk, but he also walks the walk,’” said Wando girls varsity volleyball coach Alexis Homer Glover. “Mr. Otto German has been, and still is, a pillar in the Mount Pleasant community.”
By L. C. Leach III
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