Bedingfield named OHSBCA Division II Coach of the Year

The Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association (OHSBCA) announced their coaches coaches of the year for the 2023-24 season. Willard head coach Joe Bedingfield earned the honor in Division II. Bedingfield has been a head coach for 10 years (three at Seneca East) and is 148-87 overall in his career. His Willard teams are 116-55 overall in seven years, and have won at least a share of five of the past six SBC Bay Division championships. Willard was 19-5 overall and 9-1 in the Bay this past season. The Crimson Flashes finished with a No. 7 ranking in the final Associated Press poll and won a sectional championship. Bedingfield's teams have won five sectional titles and a district championship in 2018-19. "Joe has done a tremendous job at Willard," District 6 director Roger Jury said. "His knowledge, passion, and worth ethic are only part of what helped him win this award." The following three coaches were also selected by the OHSBCA as Coach of the Year for their respective divisions: DIVISION I Jim Rucki, FindlayRucki has been a head coach for 35 years and has compiled an overall record of 545-258. This year, his team finished with an overall record of 21-3. In his 35 years as a head coach, Jim has won 10 league titles, 22 sectional championships and four district championships. District 8 director, Aaron Elwer, the head coach at Delphos St. John's said, "Coach Rucki is a role model in his demeanor, planning, character, and work ethic. Even after coaching for 35 years and winning over 500 games, Jim is a student of the game and is constantly refining his craft by attending clinics, listening to podcasts, and watching other teams. We are honored as a district to have his voice and leadership amongst our coaches and feel this award is very much deserved." DIVISION III Dan McKibben, Williamsburg McKibben recently completed his 18th season as a head coach. He has a career record of 185-215. This season, his team finished with an overall record of 23-3. In his 18 years as a head coach, McKibben has won five league titles and one sectional championship. District 16 director, Ricardo Hill said, "Dan is a veteran coach that has been able to adjust to the modern game and excel at getting kids to buy into his system in order to succeed. He is an incredible leader of young men." DIVISION IV Todd Rock, Zanesville Rosecrans Rock has been a head coach for 31 years and has compiled an overall record of 454-268. This season, his team finished with an overall record of 16-9. In his 31 seasons, Rock has won 19 sectional championships, three district championships, and one regional championship. Adam Hall, OHSBCA Public Relations Director said, "Todd Rock is not only a Hall of Fame coach, but he is also a Hall of Fame person. Over the past 31 years, he has remained loyal and dedicated to the student-athletes at Rosecrans High School. He always has his teams prepared and ready to compete at the highest level night in and night out."