Offseason Rumblings

[The Ghost of Swanker]

Norm to Clay confirmed

[transplant]

smh

[sportsfan2244]

I doubt you see many job openings this season. Most schools got new coaches last season but you never know.

[bbjunky81]

I doubt you see many job openings this season. Most schools got new coaches last season but you never know.

I'd imagine there will be more than you think. Coaching in these days is no easy task. I'd bet we'll see anywhere between 8-10 head coaching positions in SEO at the bare minimum.

[sportsfan2244]

If so will be shocked but like you said coaching these days is not easy

[Rza1]

Know that this is kinda from the past, but since you're talkin clay coaches, what ever happened to Betten? Seemed to be a quality coach. Had some success.. jus kinda disappeared. Anyway.. have jus always wondered what happened there..

[Proud_Pirate63]

Know that this is kinda from the past, but since you're talkin clay coaches, what ever happened to Betten? Seemed to be a quality coach. Had some success.. jus kinda disappeared. Anyway.. have jus always wondered what happened there..

He moved to Vandalia, Ohio to be the Vandalia Butler head coach.

[danicalifornia]

Know that this is kinda from the past, but since you're talkin clay coaches, what ever happened to Betten? Seemed to be a quality coach. Had some success.. jus kinda disappeared. Anyway.. have jus always wondered what happened there..

He moved to Vandalia, Ohio to be the Vandalia Butler head coach.

He took over for one of my college classmates, who just won his league at Fairfield in the Cincinnati area. That’s a nice step up.

[formerfcfan]

Know that this is kinda from the past, but since you're talkin clay coaches, what ever happened to Betten? Seemed to be a quality coach. Had some success.. jus kinda disappeared. Anyway.. have jus always wondered what happened there..

He moved to Vandalia, Ohio to be the Vandalia Butler head coach.

He took over for one of my college classmates, who just won his league at Fairfield in the Cincinnati area. That’s a nice step up.

VB is also a remarkably nice facility.

[Rza1]

Thanks guys! Yes he is a good guy, knows his hoops, conveys the information well... that's why I couldn't understand him not coaching. Glad he landed somewhere.I

[ShooterFlatch]

Clay's deadline appears to be March 22nd via their website. I assume this means they have a familiar face taking over, perhaps Blanton.

[PVBearcat2012]

Anyone heard much else?

[SWJeeps22]

I know of one Clay applicant, but without a teaching position, it's probably going to be a no go.

[yabbadabbadoo]

Wondered that also. Notre Dame has alot of talent coming up. I'm hearing they are adding some to the Varsity also.
They'll be really good next year.

Even before “adding” any more talent, I had ND on top of SOC I for next 2 years. And after that, junior high just ran through SOC I undefeated. Some big years coming at ND and Mader a solid coach who get everything he can out of his players.*

Agreed. But ND did just get a lot better.

I do not see anyone in the SOC I challenging them for the next couple of years.

Wait!!! I thought only Burg brought kids in to play ball!!


I've often wondered why some of the best players in the county don't get together and all go to Notre Dame. Would have probably had quite a few state titles over the years.

[Lovehoops1]

I know of one Clay applicant, but without a teaching position, it's probably going to be a no go.

Do tell?

[The Ghost of Swanker]

I know of one for sure but y’all just gonna have to wait 8 months and see.

[Lovehoops1]

I know of one for sure but y’all just gonna have to wait 8 months and see.

I doubt it, word I hear is new boys and girls coaches will be hired and confirmed at next board meeting.

[BobcatFuture1]

I know of one for sure but y’all just gonna have to wait 8 months and see.

I doubt it, word I hear is new boys and girls coaches will be hired and confirmed at next board meeting.

Bobby Blanton.

[danicalifornia]

The amount of high quality coaches retiring in the Northern part of the state is impressive.

-Ken Grisdale (Poland Seminary) 506 wins
-John Cullen (South Range) 48 years in coaching
-Joe Balogh (Ontario) 598 wins
-Brian Clare (Sebring) 203 wins over 15 seasons
-Jim Bostdorff (Otsego) 16 years as a HC

How many places in SE Ohio have had the same current HC for even 10 years? 10%?

[trojandave]

Eugene Collins at Portsmouth will be returning for his 13th season, with an overall record of 181-105. State semifinal appearances in 2011 and 2012, and state runnerup in 2012. He is the 2nd winningest coach in PHS history. (George Heller 224-137 1952-1968)

Coaches that have been at the same school for at least 10 years that I know of, including tournament accomplishments (not an all inclusive list)

Ryan Davis, Chesapeake......state semifinal appearance in 2010; regional in 2011 and 2012
Matt Combs, Vinton County.....3 regional appearances
Doug Stiverson, Logan Elm......state semifinal appearance in 2009
Blaine Maddox, Warren......state semifinal appearance in 2013; regional in 2021
Rob Buechler, Eastern Brown.....state semifinal appearance in 2002
Matt Hoops, Unioto......24-1 regional team in 2015; regional in 2021
Travis Robertson, Waverly........district title in 2012 (thanks danicalifornia)
Josh Shoemaker, Minford........last season at Portsmouth was 2009; took Minford job soon after

There may be a few others (Howie Caldwell, Trimble, Nathan Copas, North Adams), but a coach lasting at least 10 years at a school is a rarity anymore, but there are coaches who have coached more than 10 years, but not at the same school. Norm Persin has the greatest longevity of any coach in SE district, and has coached at Chesapeake, Oak Hill, and now Valley. With around 800 wins, a state championship, and almost 40 years in coaching, Persin's record in the SE district will never(should never say never) be topped. He did coach at Chesapeake and Oak Hill each for more than 10 years.

Interesting in that every coach (with the possible exception of Shoemaker and Copas) listed above has at least coached his school to the regional or state tournament. That's 10 out of 12 coaches in the SE district that have coached at their school for at least 10 years. And 6 of the 11 have reached at least the state semifinal, while at least 10 of them (including Caldwell) have won at least 1 district title (not sure about Shoemaker or Copas).