ONTARIO – Joe Balogh has coached more than 22,000 minutes during his three decades with the Ontario’s boys basketball team.
With 504 wins to his credit, the veteran coach has enjoyed the vast majority of those minutes.
But the 15 minutes he spent Saturday night before his team clubbed Clear Fork, 69-41, may one day provide his best memories.
That’s because a surprise recognition ceremony for Balogh’s 500th win earned Dec. 12 included former assistant coaches, former players and his family – including his sons Blake and Steven. The latter shocked his dad by making the trip home from Florida just for the event.
“That was all really special,” Balogh said after his current team improved its record to 8-3. “To have so many people come back from over the years, to take time out of their own lives, it was a tremendous honor.
“Going to back to my high school and college playing days, my coaches always created a family atmosphere. We have tried to do the same thing here and it was great to see all of those folks here again,” Balogh said.
THEY CAME HOME: One by one, each former assistant, player and family member person walked into the gym to greet Balogh at midcourt. The biggest jaw dropper was when his sons walked in with an award noting the 500th win.
“Steven got married in November and we couldn’t get together over Christmas,” Balogh said. “I coached a lot of great kids over the years, but having the opportunity to coach those two kids was perhaps the most enjoyable aspect.”
Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson presented Balogh with a presentation making Jan. 9 “Joe Balogh Day” in the city. State Rep. Mark Romanchuk, an Ontario graduate, and state Sen. Larry Obhof from Medina handed him state recognition. It was also announced the court would be named Balogh Court inside the O-Rena.
But Balogh was clearly the most touched by the former players, assistants and family members who were part of the surprise, as well as the standing ovation from the Ontario faithful.
“It’s such a tremendous honor. It’s a credit to the kids and their parents that we have had here over the years that made it all work. I am blessed to have to have worked for a (school) administration that has always supported our program and our values of hard work.
“I credit my parents so much. I grew up on a farm. My dad worked eight hours a day in a factory and then he came home and farmed. I didn’t think that much of it the time, but I do now. If you work hard, your chances of success are so much greater than if you don’t.”
ONE-SIDED WIN: Once the game started, it was over quickly. The Warriors pressed the Colts (3-6) into submission, racing out to a 27-5 lead after eight minutes. Clear Fork never got closer than 20 the rest of the way.
“We knew coming in Ontario is an exceptional team,” Clear Fork coach Steve Bechtel said. “It’s a wonderful accomplishment for Joe and the program he has built.
“They helped us out after the first quarter and didn’t press us anymore. When we execute, we get good looks. We are just inconsistent with that.”
Four Ontario players finished in double figures – Corey Thomas (16 points, 8 rebounds), Jackson Todd (13 points, 8 rebounds), Trey Jordan (12 points, 4 assists) and Griffin Niss (10 points, 2 assists).
Christian Beer led Clear Fork with 11 points and Chance Barnett added 10.
UP NEXT: Ontario is at Willard on Friday in a Northern Ohio League game. Clear Fork is at West Holmes on Tuesday in an Ohio Cardinal Conference contest.
The Balogh file
Became head coach at Ontario in 1985, his only head-coaching position.
Career record of 504-187, winning games at a 73 percent clip.
20 league championships
15 sectional titles
7 district titles
1 regional title
11 20-win seasons
One Final Four appearance (1995) falling in OT to eventual state champion Orrville.
