The Art of Coaching: Who Deserves the Crown in Central Ohio?
Every year, the Central Ohio High School Sports Awards spark debates, celebrations, and reflections on the incredible talent shaping young athletes. But this year, the spotlight is on the coaches—the architects behind the victories, the mentors who turn raw potential into championship gold. As the Dispatch opens its vote for the 2025-26 Boys Coach of the Year, I can’t help but dive into what makes these candidates not just winners, but legends in the making.
The Contenders: Beyond the Stats
What strikes me first is the sheer diversity of these coaches’ achievements. From track and field to golf, each has left an indelible mark on their program. Take Ryan Borland of Big Walnut, for instance. His team’s first state championship in track and field isn’t just a win—it’s a testament to his ability to cultivate individual talent into a cohesive force. Jamier Brown’s sprinting prowess and Chase Bergsten’s hurdles dominance didn’t happen by accident. Borland’s strategy and leadership turned these athletes into point-scoring machines.
Then there’s Noah Creagh, whose work at Whetstone soccer is nothing short of a revival. Guiding his alma mater to its first district championship in years, Creagh has proven that coaching isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s about rebuilding culture. What many people don’t realize is that turning around a struggling program often requires more heart than playbook adjustments. Creagh’s 49-24-9 record in five seasons speaks volumes about his ability to inspire.
The Alumni Factor: Coaching Where You Once Played
One thing that immediately stands out is the number of coaches leading their alma maters. Kyle Goodrich, Brian Kennedy, and Brad Sparling all returned to their roots, and their success is particularly fascinating. Goodrich’s repeat Division I swimming championship at St. Charles isn’t just a coaching triumph—it’s a love letter to the program that shaped him. Similarly, Kennedy’s 30-game winning streak at Watterson feels like a story of full-circle redemption.
Personally, I think there’s something deeply powerful about coaching where you once played. It’s not just about strategy; it’s about legacy. These coaches aren’t just building teams—they’re honoring the institutions that molded them. This raises a deeper question: Does coaching your alma mater give you an edge? Or does it add pressure to live up to your own history?
The Underdogs and the Unstoppable
Brett Norris’s journey with Hilliard Bradley basketball is a classic underdog tale. Leading the Jaguars to their first Division I state tournament and a runner-up finish is no small feat. What this really suggests is that Norris has a knack for maximizing potential, even when the odds aren’t in his favor. Ten wins shy of 500 for his career, he’s a reminder that consistency and adaptability are hallmarks of great coaching.
On the flip side, Wes Schroeder’s undefeated season at Olentangy Orange feels almost mythical. Going 15-0 and clinching a Division I football championship in just his second season? That’s not just coaching—that’s alchemy. Schroeder’s ability to transform a program so quickly is a masterclass in leadership. But here’s the kicker: Can he sustain it? One championship is impressive; a dynasty is legendary.
The Departing Champion: A Bittersweet Exit
Mike Sandman’s story is the most intriguing of all. Leading New Albany baseball to a Division II state championship in his final season is the kind of ending Hollywood would write. But his resignation to become a dean of students at Utica Middle School adds a layer of complexity. What makes this particularly fascinating is the timing—why leave at the peak of success?
From my perspective, Sandman’s decision highlights a broader trend in coaching: the pull between passion and personal growth. Coaching is all-consuming, and sometimes, even the most successful leaders crave a change. Sandman’s exit isn’t a failure; it’s a reminder that even champions have chapters beyond the field.
The Future of Coaching: What’s Next?
If you take a step back and think about it, these coaches represent more than just wins and losses. They’re shaping the next generation of athletes, leaders, and citizens. Brad Sparling’s undefeated golf season at Dublin Jerome, for example, isn’t just about birdies and pars—it’s about teaching resilience and precision under pressure.
In my opinion, the Coach of the Year isn’t just the one with the most impressive stats. It’s the one who leaves a lasting impact on their athletes and community. Whether it’s Borland’s ability to develop stars, Creagh’s program revival, or Schroeder’s rapid rise, each candidate has a unique claim to the title.
My Take: Who Should Win?
Personally, I’m torn. If I had to pick, I’d lean toward Brian Kennedy. His consecutive state championships and 30-game winning streak at Watterson are unparalleled. But what seals it for me is his longevity—23 seasons in the program, 79-30 since taking the helm. That kind of sustained success is rare and deserves recognition.
However, I’d be remiss not to tip my hat to Mike Sandman. His championship exit is poetic, and his impact on New Albany baseball will be felt for years.
Final Thoughts: The Heart of Coaching
As the votes pour in, one thing is clear: coaching is as much an art as it is a science. These candidates have mastered both, but what sets them apart is their ability to inspire. Whether it’s leading an alma mater, turning underdogs into contenders, or knowing when to walk away, each coach has a story worth celebrating.
So, who deserves the crown? That’s for Central Ohio to decide. But in my book, they’re all champions.
