In the realm of high school sports, the search for the Coach of the Year is a thrilling endeavor, and Central Ohio's 2025-26 edition is no exception. This year's crop of coaches has left an indelible mark on their respective programs, each in their own unique way. But who deserves the coveted title? Let's delve into the stories and achievements of the nominees, and perhaps, along the way, we'll uncover the coach who has truly earned the recognition.
Ryan Borland: The Track and Field Visionary
Ryan Borland, the mastermind behind Big Walnut's track and field program, has been a driving force in the sport. His sixth season with the Golden Eagles culminated in a historic moment - the program's first state championship. This achievement is not just a testament to Borland's coaching prowess but also to the dedication of his athletes. The team's success was built on the shoulders of stars like Jamier Brown, whose lightning-fast sprints in the 100- and 200-meters, along with Chase Bergsten's hurdles and relay prowess, contributed to the team's 41 points. Borland's ability to foster a culture of excellence is truly remarkable, and his impact on the program is immeasurable.
Personally, I find Borland's journey fascinating. His ability to transform a program into a state champion in just six years is a testament to his leadership and strategic vision. What makes this even more intriguing is the fact that he achieved this feat with a team that was previously uncharted in state championship history. It's a story of building something from the ground up, and it's a narrative that resonates deeply with any coach striving for excellence.
Noah Creagh: Resurrecting a Legacy
Noah Creagh, the mastermind behind Whetstone's soccer resurgence, has led his alma mater to new heights. In just five seasons, Creagh has guided the Braves to their first district championship, a remarkable feat considering the program's previous struggles. His 49-24-9 record speaks volumes about his coaching acumen, and the fact that he became the second City League team to reach the regional tournament is a testament to his impact. Creagh's ability to instill a winning mentality in a program that had lost its way is truly inspiring.
From my perspective, Creagh's story is one of redemption and renewal. He has not only led his team to success but has also restored pride and tradition to a program that had fallen on hard times. What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that he achieved this while navigating the challenges of coaching at his alma mater, where expectations can be high and pressure intense. It's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest challenges can lead to the most remarkable achievements.
Kyle Goodrich: The Swimming Maestro
Kyle Goodrich, the mastermind behind St. Charles' swimming and diving program, has been a stalwart of the sport for over a decade. His second stint at his alma mater has been nothing short of remarkable, with the Cardinals repeating as Division I team champions. Goodrich's oversight of four first-place individual or relay swims at the state level is a testament to his ability to cultivate success. His 5-season coaching tenure at St. Charles has been marked by consistency and excellence, a true hallmark of a maestro in the sport.
One thing that immediately stands out is Goodrich's longevity in the sport. His second stint at St. Charles is a testament to his passion and dedication, and it's a reminder that true excellence in coaching is often built on a foundation of experience and a deep understanding of the sport. What many people don't realize is that Goodrich's success is not just a product of his coaching but also of his ability to foster a culture of excellence within the team.
Brian Kennedy: The Football Titan
Brian Kennedy, the mastermind behind Watterson's football program, has been a force to be reckoned with. His alma mater's 30-game winning streak and consecutive Division III state championships are a testament to his leadership and strategic brilliance. Kennedy's 23-season coaching tenure at Watterson, including a 79-30 record since taking the top job in 2017, is a remarkable achievement. His ability to build a winning culture and sustain it over the years is a true testament to his coaching prowess.
If you take a step back and think about it, Kennedy's story is a reminder that consistency and sustainability are the hallmarks of true coaching excellence. His ability to maintain a winning streak and state championships over the years is a testament to his ability to build a program that can withstand the test of time. What this really suggests is that coaching is not just about winning games but also about building a legacy that endures long after the victories have faded.
Brett Norris: The Basketball Innovator
Brett Norris, the mastermind behind Hilliard Bradley's basketball program, has been a trailblazer in the sport. His 12th season as a coach has seen the Jaguars reach new heights, including their first Division I state tournament and a runner-up finish. Norris' ability to innovate and adapt his coaching style to suit the needs of his players is truly remarkable. His 25-3 record this season is a testament to his ability to lead a team to success, and his 10 wins shy of 500 career wins is a remarkable achievement in itself.
A detail that I find especially interesting is Norris' ability to innovate and adapt his coaching style. In a sport that is often steeped in tradition, Norris has been able to bring fresh ideas and strategies to the table, and his success speaks for itself. What this really suggests is that innovation and adaptability are key ingredients in the recipe for coaching success, and Norris is a prime example of this.
Mike Sandman: The Baseball Architect
Mike Sandman, the mastermind behind New Albany's baseball program, has been a true architect of success. His fourth and final season with the Eagles culminated in a Division II state championship, the program's first since winning Division I in 2021. Sandman's 80-38 record at New Albany, including a 26-7 record this year, is a testament to his ability to build a winning program. His decision to resign in mid-June to become dean of students at Utica Middle School is a testament to his commitment to education and his desire to make a difference beyond the baseball diamond.
What many people don't realize is that Sandman's success is not just a product of his coaching but also of his ability to foster a culture of excellence within the team. His decision to resign is a reminder that true coaching excellence goes beyond the field of play and into the realm of character development and leadership. It's a testament to the fact that a coach's impact can be felt far beyond the boundaries of the game.
Wes Schroeder: The Football Innovator
Wes Schroeder, the mastermind behind Olentangy Orange's football program, has been a trailblazer in the sport. His second season at Orange culminated in the program's first state championship, a remarkable feat considering the team's previous struggles. Schroeder's 24-3 record at Orange, including a 76-18 career record, is a testament to his ability to innovate and adapt his coaching style to suit the needs of his players. His ability to build a winning culture and sustain it over the years is a true testament to his coaching prowess.
One thing that immediately stands out is Schroeder's ability to innovate and adapt his coaching style. In a sport that is often steeped in tradition, Schroeder has been able to bring fresh ideas and strategies to the table, and his success speaks for itself. What this really suggests is that innovation and adaptability are key ingredients in the recipe for coaching success, and Schroeder is a prime example of this.
Brad Sparling: The Golf Guru
Brad Sparling, the mastermind behind Dublin Jerome's golf program, has been a true guru in the sport. His second season with the Celtics saw them claim the Division I title, a remarkable feat considering the program's previous struggles. Led by individual state medalist Brady Barnum, Jerome went undefeated in the OCC-Cardinal (20-0), won sectional and district, and edged St. Charles by two shots at state. Sparling's ability to cultivate success and foster a culture of excellence is truly remarkable.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that Sparling achieved this feat in just his second season. It's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest achievements come not just from hard work but also from a deep understanding of the sport and the ability to instill a winning mentality in one's players. It's a testament to the fact that true coaching excellence is often built on a foundation of experience and a deep understanding of the sport.
In conclusion, the search for the Coach of the Year in Central Ohio's 2025-26 edition is a testament to the remarkable achievements of these coaches. Each of them has left an indelible mark on their respective programs, and their stories are a reminder of the power of leadership, innovation, and dedication in the world of high school sports. As we reflect on their achievements, we are reminded that true coaching excellence is not just about winning games but also about building a legacy that endures long after the victories have faded.
