Ritzler receives Houdeshell award from UF

DAYTON – During the recent high school boys basketball state tournament in Dayton, the University of Findlay Alumni Association presented UF graduate and former Findlay High head football coach Mark Ritzler with its annual Dr. James Houdeshell Excellence in Coaching Award.Ritzler, who earned both bachelor's and masters degrees from UF, was Findlay High's head coach from 2006-19 and is the program's winningest football coach with a 74-68 record. Ritzler was Ohio's Division I and the Northwest District Coach of the Year in 2011 when he guided the Trojans to a Three Rivers Athletic Conference title and a spot in the Division I playoffs.Ritzler has also coached basketball and track and has served as athletic director at Donnell Middle School.The Dr. James Houdeshell Excellence in Coaching Award honors UF alumni who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, integrity, and success in high school coaching. The award is named for the professor, basketball coach, and administrator at UF for more than 60 years who led the Oilers to 21 winning seasons and 16 NAIA playoff appearances.