Blazer Nation had much to celebrate last Friday, when the Varsity Basketball team defeated St. Joseph Central Catholic High School at a tournament in that team's hometown of Huntington, West Virginia. The 54-44 victory also marked the 200th win in Head Coach Paul Barlow's illustrious career.

Barlow joined the coaching staff at Hathaway Brown in 1996. He started as the Middle School basketball coach, then served as head coach of the Junior Varsity program. He assumed the Varsity Head Coach role in 2000. Since that time, he also has been head coach for Varsity Golf (1999-2010), and head coach of Varsity Softball (2000-2007). In addition to his basketball coaching responsibilities, Barlow serves as HB's Associate Athletic Director.

The Blazers are the three-time defending State Champion in the Ohio High School Athletic Association's Division II. They have made it to the state tournament the last five years in a row. The team currently is ranked #8 in The Plain Dealer poll.

Barlow says that as gratifying as it is to hold a 200-84 record earned in 11 years as coach, what's even more exciting to him is watching how well the student-athletes fare in life when they leave HB.

"Seeing kids go on and do well in college and in life is the best perk I ever could imagine," he explains. "It's incredibly rewarding to think that our program could play a part in that success."

Among his fondest memories as a head coach, Barlow lists the Blazers' first State Championship win in 2009, and the winter day that same year when seniors (and team co-captains) Mylan Woods '10, Erica Almady '10, and Alexis Dobbs '10 all signed letters of intent to continue playing at Division I universities.

"Of course, one of the goals of the program is to get back to Columbus," Barlow says. "But that doesn't mean that we're not focused on the game we'll play tomorrow as well. We're committed to staying at the level we've been fortunate to ascend to."

Barlow still remembers his first career win in 2000. The Blazers defeated Orange Christian Academy at HB. To commemorate his 200th victory, Barlow's team surprised him with a gift of a signed ball. 

Athletic Director Paul Maes describes Barlow as an exemplary coach and colleague who is a valued mentor to his players and coaches throughout the school. In the words of some of his players, Coach Barlow:

• cares about his players on and off the court
• earns the respect of his players
• is committed to his players and their development
• believes in our abilities and is committed to making us better every day 
• is the best coach I’ve ever had

Congratulations, Coach! And Go Blazers!