I'd have to say Paul Wiggins from Bishop Brossart. Never seen anyone turn around a program like he did. He got the whole community to support this program.

I think there's a reason why once a coach had made it at a place like X, Male, Trinity, that you don't ever see them trying to go and "turn a program around" anywhere else.

 

There is not doubt that those guys are great coaches, proof is in the pudding. But the hard work goes into building it, and I think all of these Coach of the Year comments are people that are building it!

 

Nothing taken away from those great programs....... But how many people wanted a job like North Bullitt? Billings has them from 1-10 last season, Picked last by everyone in a 6 team district, to 8-1 this season 4-0 in district.

 

Take nothing away from the big programs, but gotta give props to these guys that are teaching kids to "get on the bus," and leading/coaching kids to do things that they have never done.

The coaches like Wallace at Bg and Beatty at Trinity are dealing with things you can't imagine because you've never been there and you have no idea. Have to try hard hard to lose is just a super weak comment. Ask Wienrich.

Coach Buchanan has done a good job at Mercer. Lots of adversity but has the program going in the right direction. Trying to change the culture is tough

I would say Will Wofford ST XAVIER. In my opinion he is out talented when he played Trinity and Male but had a great chance in both. I am anxious to see what the playoffs has in store for them.

Jeff Barth at Walton. He has 4 freshman and 2 sophomores starting on his team. They have won 5 in a row...Lost in the last minute of the game early this season to a couple of teams including Lloyd who took New Cath to the mat this week. Looking forward to seeing how they have progressed against these teams in the playoffs.

COY always ends up being a situation of "who surprised us the most."

 

It's a much harder job when you don't have talent. So many coaches at the elite programs in this state do a great job at using the talent they have. But, I'm more impressed to see what someone does with a few NAIA players on their team, rather than high level athletes. I've seen plenty of really great coaches and teams work magic with minimal talent.

 

It's how I feel about college basketball. I'm not a huge fan of giving COY to Coach Cal, because it's a much easier job with a roster full of NBA players. Is he a great coach? Without a doubt. But I'm inclined to believe it's much easier to win games with athletes than it is with mathletes.

Why do the coaches that get it done year after year after year not get love for coach of the year as much as they should? Why does a program that traditionally has weak performances, have one great season and get a COY? Those who build and maintain a program year in and year out are more impressive to me. Like the Belfry's, Johnson Central's, Highlands, Trinity's, Central's, Bowling Green's, Beechwoods, etc. These coaches are doing it right and it gets taken for granted more often than not.

 

Not to say the ones previously mentioned have not done a great job this season, because they have. I just wouldnt rate them as a better coach then those at some of the dominate programs and subsequently would not say they are a better coach in this season just because said program is having its "once in a decade run".

 

I think great programs take it for granted that the men at helm have something to do with that. Just my superficial opinion of course, but sometimes I think its like not giving Lebron James MVP every year because it gets old seeing the same people win it even though its merited.

I agree and that is why I'm throwing Randy Botchers into the ring. He has done nothing but won district titles 3 out of the last 4 years in 5A and 2 regional titles along with state title game in schools first 7 years of existence and then this year being ridiculed by some for moving up to 6A and in the most competitive 6A district in NKY he is in the verge of winning the district title in his first year in 6A after moving up from 5A.

 

The guy just wins. He is class personified.

 

I also think David Buchanan at Mercer Co., Antoine Sims at Tates Creek and the new coach at Waggener have done very good jobs this year.

 

The new coach at Waggener is Jordan "Bulldog" Johnson. He was a freshman at Mason County in 1996, my first season with the Royals. I am very proud of Bulldog!