Fort's Patch to take over girls hoops

Brian Patch will maintain his presence on the basketball court at Fort Recovery's Fort Site Fieldhouse, only for a different Indians basketball team.

Patch will take over as head girls basketball coach at Fort Recovery, pending the approval of the board of education at its next meeting.

"Doing something for 11 years and putting all the time and effort that I have done over the years, knowing the kids and the relationships that we've built with these parents and kids, and everything we have invested into the program, it made (the decision) very tough," said Patch, who went 159-88 as boys coach. "As a family, we sat down and discussed it, and made the decision for family purposes.

"I appreciate the support of our school board and administration with (athletic director Kurt) Rammel, (high school principal Jeff) Hobbs and (superintendent Shelly) Vaughn believing we can do good things with the (girls program). My record as a coach speaks for itself with what we've been able to do the last 11 years. Hopefully, we can continue that with the girls."

Patch inherits a program that went 10-11 last season, the first sub-.500 season since 2002-03. Previous coach Doug Bihn had recorded 14 or more wins in his first six seasons as coach and led the team to the Division IV state semifinals in 2011. The Lady Indians had just one senior on last year's varsity team

"Having really never coached girls (sports) at a higher level or program besides some summer things with my daughters, I'm sure it's going to be different at times," Patch said. "But to say how it will be different at this point is a bit of an unknown."

Patch has already been helping the girls team with offseason workouts along with his work with the boys basketball team.

"I live a block-and-a-half from the high school. Kids stop by my house a lot to get the key to the school," Patch said. "... I'm kind of the go-to guy from the standpoint that if the kids need to get into the school or to workout to get better, I'm always there to let them in.

"Even though I switched teams, it's not like I'm leaving Fort Recovery. I feel I'm still there to help the kids out. I told the boys I'm still there to help them out to get better. Just because I'm switching over doesn't mean I'll be leaving them. I told them I'd be there."

Patch is appreciative of the support he has received from the players and parents from the boys basketball team over the years.

"I really appreciate (them) making me feel welcome here since this was my first head coaching job," Patch said. "I'm thankful for the support I've (received) through the years with them."