Eric Hutchinson doesnÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t list an impressive won-loss record among his accomplishments.
But 12 years of coaching girls basketball at Grace Christian led to greater accolades than anything reflected on the scoreboard or in the trophy case.
Hutchinson stepped aside, he said, to spend more time with family. He was one of the longest-tenured coaches in the Tri-State.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œMost people donÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t realize the amount of time, effort, focus and energy that coaching requires,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Hutchinson said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œTo do it with excellence requires an even greater share of those precious commodities.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Hutchinson said he cherishes the memories from coaching the Soldiers.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThe main goal has always been to have wins in eternity,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Hutchinson said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œIf we won games, tournaments, championships, etc., but failed to see young ladies grow as people and servants of Christ, then have we really won?ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Hutchinson said an injury-riddled 16-14 season this year was a challenge. He said he felt as if he did more ministry than coaching, although the two are intertwined.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI donÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t know if this is permanent or just a pause or reset period,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ he said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œAll I know is itÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s the right move for now.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
What jinx?
Coal Grove softball pitcher Abbie Deeds was voted the High School on SI national girls athlete of the week after throwing back-to-back perfect games.
Deeds was perfect against Chesapeake and Fairland.
She edged Rhyan Balous of McKinney (Texas) North High School for the honor.
Coach Speak
Prayers are asked for the family and friends of former Barboursville Middle School volleyball coach Kathy Van Horn, who died Friday.
Rock Hill baseball coach Barry Litteral retired. Huntington HighÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Justin Cox and Justin Ross were named Mountain State Athletic Conference track and field coaches of the year. Former Spring Mills boys basketball coach Luke Samples is the new coach at Marion (Ohio) Harding High School.
Amazing Stats of the Week
Symmes Valley softballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Marley Ferguson smacked her 100th career hit.
Portsmouth Notre Dame softball outscored New Boston 33-0 in two games this season. Twelve meet records were broken at the Ohio Valley Conference track and field meet at Rock Hill. South Point softballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Kota Copley struck out 15 of the 18 batters she faced in a 14-0 no-hitter against Chesapeake.
Spring ValleyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s baseball team has tied the Timberwolves program record of 23 wins, set in 1999. Huntington St. Joe baseball has set a program record for wins with 25 and counting entering MondayÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s region tournament game against Gilmer County. Portsmouth Notre Dame softballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Maddie Entler slapped her 150th hit.
Recruiting roundup
SIGNINGS: South Point track and fieldÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Emma Layne (Marshall), footballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Brayden Hanshaw (West Virginia Wesleyan) and basketballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Saratina Jackson (Shawnee State). Ashland footballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Braxton Jennings (Louisville). Hurricane footballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Darion Davis (Bluefield State).
COMMITMENTS: Former Hurricane baseball player Ismael Borrero of Chipola Junior College (Mercer), Spring Valley footballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Tristan Watts (Marietta).
OFFERS: Huntington High footballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Deuce Olden (Memphis). Spring Mills footballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Xavier Anderson and UniversityÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Jimmy Gregg (Marshall). Ashland footballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Cameron Davis (McPherson). Ironton footballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Mason Wheeler (Pikeville). Rock Hill footballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Daniel Medinger (Muskingum). Coal Grove footballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Kaden Murphy (Marietta, Muskingum, Rio Grande).
TRANSFERS: Former Cabell Midland softball star Quinn Ballengee of East Tennessee State entered the transfer portal, as has former Winfield softball standout Maci Boggess of Youngstown State.
Notes, Quotes, Anecdotes
Former George Washington High School kicker Michael Hughes of Appalachian State is in camp with the Cleveland Browns.
Former Huntington St. Joe and Marshall University soccer standout Abi Hugh is playing for the Pittsburgh Riveters of the United Soccer LeagueÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s WomenÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Division. Cabell Midland won the Mountain State Athletic Conference all-sports championship for the second consecutive year.
