Celina's Bihn steps down as coach

CELINA - Chris Bihn has stepped down as head boys basketball coach at Celina High School after 10 seasons.

Bihn confirmed several social media reports late Friday evening, noting that he submitted his resignation earlier this week. The Celina board of education holds its monthly meeting on Monday.

In a telephone conversation, Bihn cited spending more time with family as the main reason he is stepping down.

"It's always a tough decision whenever you get out of something like that, especially after you've spent 10 years building (the program) up and get it to the point where you want to be at," Bihn said. "We have some different family things going on and family comes first.

"I think I have to spend some time with family and get things figured out."

Bihn, who played his high school basketball at Fort Recovery, came to Celina after coaching Coldwater from 1997 to 2001, taking the Cavaliers to the 1999 Division III state finals. Bihn served as an assistant coach to Mike Kanney before taking over in 2005 after Kanney left to become head coach at Coldwater.

As head coach, Bihn led the Bulldogs to a 125-103 record with two Western Buckeye League titles. This past season, Celina went undefeated in the WBL and finished with a 22-4 record, losing to eventual Division II state champion Defiance in the regional semifinals.

Bihn had a the chance to coach his son Nate during his tenure while another son, Matt, played primarily junior varsity and dressed varsity towards the end of the season. Now, Bihn will have the chance to watch games as a father rather than a coach.

"Sitting up in the stands will be a little different situation," said Bihn, who was 175-146 overall at Coldwater and Celina. "Probably a little tougher. I think it will be good for (Matt)."

Bihn feels whomever will take over as head coach will have an established program to work with starting next season.

"We don't have empty cupboards," Bihn said. "We have a group of kids coming in as seniors that will do a great job. They'll be great leaders. When I talked to those guys, I told them a year from now I might be sitting back and kicking myself. That could easily happen, but there comes a time where you have to make choices, you have to do what you have to do.

"I think those guys are prepared. Whomever comes in next will find these guys can play. I think they will be successful next year."