Central Ohio's boys high school Coach of the Year for 2025-26: A Celebration of Excellence and Innovation
In the realm of high school sports, where every win and every record matters, the selection of the Coach of the Year is a highly anticipated event. This year, Central Ohio's boys high school coaches have demonstrated an extraordinary level of skill, innovation, and dedication, making them worthy of recognition. Among the candidates, Ryan Borland, Noah Creagh, Kyle Goodrich, Brian Kennedy, Brett Norris, Mike Sandman, Wes Schroeder, and Brad Sparling stand out as the top contenders for the 2025-26 Coach of the Year award.
Ryan Borland, the track and field coach at Big Walnut, has led his team to unprecedented heights. His sixth season with the Golden Eagles culminated in the program's first state championship, a testament to his strategic brilliance and ability to inspire his athletes. What makes Borland's achievement particularly fascinating is the fact that he achieved this feat with a team that included Ohio State football commit Jamier Brown, Chase Bergsten, and the 400 relay. In my opinion, Borland's ability to harness the potential of his athletes and guide them to success is what sets him apart as a coach.
Noah Creagh, the soccer coach at Whetstone, has also made a significant impact on his alma mater. His leadership has led to a resurgence at Whetstone, guiding the Braves to their first district championship last fall. Creagh's 49-24-9 record in five seasons is a testament to his ability to build a winning culture. What many people don't realize is that Creagh's success at Whetstone is a result of his strategic vision and ability to foster a sense of community among his players.
Kyle Goodrich, the swimming and diving coach at St. Charles, has also made a significant impact on his program. His leadership has led the Cardinals to a Division I team championship repeat, overseeing four first-place individual or relay swims at state. Goodrich's second stint at his alma mater has been marked by success, having led the program from 2002-09. In my perspective, Goodrich's ability to build a winning tradition at St. Charles is a testament to his strategic brilliance and ability to inspire his athletes.
Brian Kennedy, the football coach at Watterson, has also made a significant impact on his alma mater. His leadership has led the Eagles to unprecedented heights, including a 30-game winning streak and consecutive Division III state championships. Kennedy's 79-30 record since taking the top job in 2017 is a testament to his strategic brilliance and ability to build a winning culture. What this really suggests is that Kennedy's success at Watterson is a result of his ability to foster a sense of community among his players and his strategic vision for the program.
Brett Norris, the basketball coach at Hilliard Bradley, has also made a significant impact on his program. His 12th-year coaching tenure has led the Jaguars to their first Division I state tournament and a runner-up finish. Norris' 25-3 record this season is a testament to his strategic brilliance and ability to inspire his athletes. What many people don't realize is that Norris' success at Hilliard Bradley is a result of his ability to build a winning culture and his strategic vision for the program.
Mike Sandman, the baseball coach at New Albany, has also made a significant impact on his program. His fourth and final season with the Eagles culminated in the Division II state championship, the program's first since winning Division I in 2021. Sandman's 80-38 record at New Albany, including 26-7 this year, is a testament to his strategic brilliance and ability to inspire his athletes. What this raises a deeper question is whether Sandman's resignation in mid-June to become dean of students at Utica Middle School will impact his coaching style and the program's future.
Wes Schroeder, the football coach at Olentangy Orange, has also made a significant impact on his program. His second season at Orange culminated in the program's first state championship, with the Pioneers going 15-0 and defeating Cincinnati St. Xavier 28-14 in the Division I final. Schroeder's 24-3 record at Orange with a 76-18 career record is a testament to his strategic brilliance and ability to inspire his athletes. What this suggests is that Schroeder's success at Olentangy Orange is a result of his ability to build a winning culture and his strategic vision for the program.
Brad Sparling, the golf coach at Dublin Jerome, has also made a significant impact on his program. His second season with the Celtics led them to the Division I title, with individual state medalist Brady Barnum. Sparling's ability to build a winning tradition at Dublin Jerome is a testament to his strategic brilliance and ability to inspire his athletes. What this immediately stands out is that Sparling's success at Dublin Jerome is a result of his ability to foster a sense of community among his players and his strategic vision for the program.
In conclusion, the selection of the Coach of the Year for 2025-26 is a testament to the excellence and innovation demonstrated by Central Ohio's boys high school coaches. Each of the candidates has made a significant impact on their programs, and their achievements are a source of inspiration for athletes and coaches alike. From Ryan Borland's strategic brilliance to Wes Schroeder's ability to build a winning culture, these coaches have set a high standard for excellence in high school sports. As we reflect on their achievements, we are reminded of the power of leadership, strategic vision, and the ability to inspire others to achieve greatness.
