Rucki named OHSBCA Coach of the Year

COLUMBUS – Findlay High's Jim Rucki has been named Ohio's Division I boys Coach of the Year by the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association. Picked to finish third in the Northern Lakes League's Buckeye Division, Rucki guided Findlay to a 7-1 record in league play and an outright NLL-BD championship. The Trojans won a school-record 20 games during a 20-2 regular season and went 21-3 overall. In a release from the OHSBCA announcing its 2023-24 coaches of the year, District 8 Director Aaron Elwer commented: "Coach Rucki is a role model in his demeanor, planning, character, and work ethic. Even after coaching for 35 years and winning over 500 games, Jim is a student of the game and is constantly refining his craft by attending clinics, listening to podcasts, and watching other teams. We are honored as a district to have his voice and leadership amongst our coaches and feel this award is very much deserved." Rucki has not had a losing record in his 25 seasons as Findlay High head coach, and has coached 29 consecutive seasons without one of his teams finishing below .500. Rucki owns a 385-187 record at Findlay High, and 545-258 career record as head coach. Willard's Joe Bedingfield was the OHSBCA Coach of the Year in Division II, Williamsburg's Dan McKibben was tabbed in Division III and Todd Rock of Bishop Rosecrans in Division IV.