Coach Dave Young notches 400th career coaching victory

By RORY RYAN

and COLIN RYAN

SEAMAN, Ohio — 400 and counting…

Longtime North Adams Head Coach Dave Young registered career coaching victory No. 400 Monday, Dec. 27, 72-47, over the West Union Dragons in the annual McDonald's Classic Holiday Tournament at Manchester.

"I'm glad this is over," said Coach Young after win No. 400. 

In his 28th season of varsity coaching, Young noted after the game that former Whiteoak Wildcats standout Wes Mitchell was one of the players on his first team and in his first coaching victory, a win over the Hillsboro Indians. Wes' son, John Andrew Mitchell, played in Young's 400th win Monday night.

Wes Mitchell was among several North Adams parents and fans on hand to welcome the coach and team upon their return to North Adams High School late Monday night.

"It's hard to believe it was that long ago," Wes said of Young's first coaching victory. "I think it was the first time Whiteoak ever beat Hillsboro."

For a bit of irony, in the 1990s, Young was rumored to be a candidate for a Hillsboro coaching vacancy. That was before his hallmark 26-1 (many fans claim 26-0) state Final Four team in 1995-96.

In a post-game interview with The Highland County Press, the coach reflected on his illustrious career.

"This (the celebration party) is uncomfortable because it appears that it's all about me, and it's not," Coach Young said. "I never scored the first basket in any of those wins. 

"What we have here at North Adams is special. I've just survived. Some nights, you've got five people in the stands who are happy because their children are playing, and everyone else is unhappy because their children aren't playing. But I hope that I've put a positive imprint on most of the students who've been a part of the program. I hope that I've helped make them better as young adults. There have been a lot of success stories come through the program."

One of those success stories, former Green Devils star and current Winchester physician Dr. Ty Campbell, texted his former coach after the game and congratulated him on the 400th victory.

"I'm just glad to say I've had the time to be with these young student-athletes," Young continued. "We have had some very classy individuals

be a part of this program. I thank the players, the families, and our fans."

North Adams Athletic Director Chris Young introduced the head coach following the team's arrival from its victory over West Union. 

Coach Young told the North Adams faithful, "We have great tradition, great families, and this is a great place to work. It's been a privilege to be here. Thanks."

On the court Monday, North Adams starter Kris King was named the C103 Player of the Game with 15 points.

Brad Grooms was West Union's Player of the Game with nine points.

Sheridan Carroll finished with 14 points for the Green Devils. Drew Dollich scored 12 points. Caleb Harper and Skylar Mefford each scored 10 points. Sophomore standout Seth Sparks put in six points. Andrew Mitchell scored three and Quintin Baker added two points in the Devils' win.

Kris King, Sheridan Carroll, Seth Sparks, Caleb Harper and Drew Dollich were the North Adams starters for Coach Young's 400th career win.

Editor's note: Peebles resident Ryan Arey has produced a video entitled "We Know" on Coach Young's Final Four team from 1995-96. That season came to a controversial end on a long 3-pointer by Miami East in the state tournament. Debate remains whether the shot was attempted prior to the game's conclusion. The game sparked considerable debate and prompted former Ohio Senate President Doug White, a Manchester Republican, to introduce legislation to use instant replay in the state basketball tournament. For a trailer of the video and contact information for Mr. Arey, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN9CCQWCGj8

SEAMAN, Ohio — 400 and counting…

Longtime North Adams Head Coach Dave Young registered career coaching victory No. 400 Monday, Dec. 27, 72-47, over the West Union Dragons in the annual McDonald's Classic Holiday Tournament at Manchester.

"I'm glad this is over," said Coach Young after win No. 400. 

In his 28th season of varsity coaching, Young noted after the game that former Whiteoak Wildcats standout Wes Mitchell was one of the players on his first team and in his first coaching victory, a win over the Hillsboro Indians. Wes' son, John Andrew Mitchell, played in Young's 400th win Monday night.

Wes Mitchell was among several North Adams parents and fans on hand to welcome the coach and team upon their return to North Adams High School late Monday night.

"It's hard to believe it was that long ago," Wes said of Young's first coaching victory. "I think it was the first time Whiteoak ever beat Hillsboro."

For a bit of irony, in the 1990s, Young was rumored to be a candidate for a Hillsboro coaching vacancy. That was before his hallmark 26-1 (many fans claim 26-0) state Final Four team in 1995-96.

In a post-game interview with The Highland County Press, the coach reflected on his illustrious career.

"This (the celebration party) is uncomfortable because it appears that it's all about me, and it's not," Coach Young said. "I never scored the first basket in any of those wins. 

"What we have here at North Adams is special. I've just survived. Some nights, you've got five people in the stands who are happy because their children are playing, and everyone else is unhappy because their children aren't playing. But I hope that I've put a positive imprint on most of the students who've been a part of the program. I hope that I've helped make them better as young adults. There have been a lot of success stories come through the program."

One of those success stories, former Green Devils star and current Winchester physician Dr. Ty Campbell, texted his former coach after the game and congratulated him on the 400th victory.

"I'm just glad to say I've had the time to be with these young student-athletes," Young continued. "We have had some very classy individuals be a part of this program. I thank the players, the families, and our fans."

North Adams Athletic Director Chris Young introduced the head coach following the team's arrival from its victory over West Union. 

Coach Young told the North Adams faithful, "We have great tradition, great families, and this is a great place to work. It's been a privilege to be here. Thanks."

On the court Monday, North Adams starter Kris King was named the C103 Player of the Game with 15 points.

Brad Grooms was West Union's Player of the Game with nine points.

Sheridan Carroll finished with 14 points for the Green Devils. Drew Dollich scored 12 points. Caleb Harper and Skylar Mefford each scored 10 points. Sophomore standout Seth Sparks put in six points. Andrew Mitchell scored three and Quintin Baker added two points in the Devils' win. North Adams improves to 3-1 on the season.

Kris King, Sheridan Carroll, Seth Sparks, Caleb Harper and Drew Dollich were the North Adams starters for Coach Young's 400th career win.

Editor's note: Peebles resident Ryan Arey has produced a video entitled "We Know" on Coach Young's Final Four team from 1995-96. That season came to a controversial end on a long 3-pointer by Miami East in the state tournament. Debate remains whether the shot was attempted prior to the game's conclusion. The game sparked considerable debate and prompted former Ohio Senate President Doug White, a Manchester Republican, to introduce legislation to use instant replay in the state basketball tournament. For a trailer of the video and contact information for Mr. Arey, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN9CCQWCGj8