Coaching staff passes test of time at Archbold

Doug Krauss has compiled a 278-140 record in 19 seasons as head coach of the Blue Streaks.

ARCHBOLD - Plenty of changes have occurred in high school basketball over the last 19 years, yet much has remained the same with the Archbold boys program during that time.

Most notably, the Blue Streaks' coaching staff is the same as it was in 1984, when Doug Krauss was named head coach.

Not only is Krauss still with the Blue Streaks, but the assistants he hired, Joe Frank and Mike Kennedy, still will be at his side today when Archbold (22-3) meets No. 1-ranked Sugarcreek Garaway (25-1) in a Division III state semifinal at Value City Arena.

“You just keep going as long as you can as long as you enjoy what you do,'' Krauss said. “I've been fortunate to be at a really good school. It's been the support of the community and my family, having good players and a good staff. All those factors combined keep you going.''

The Blue Streaks have a stellar 278-140 record during Krauss' tenure. The trip to the state semifinals is the fifth overall for the Blue Streaks, the second during Krauss' tenure. Archbold, which was the No.1-ranked team heading into the 1996 state tournament, lost to Casstown Miami East 58-53 in the Division III title game.

Assistants Frank and Kennedy have the distinction of not only coaching in the state tournament, but playing in it as well. Both were on the Archbold team that made it to Columbus in 1979.

Frank makes it clear what the difference is between playing in the state tournament and coaching in it.

“It's a lot more nerve-racking as a coach because at least when you play you think you have some control of what goes on,'' Frank said. “Indirectly I guess you do have some control as a coach, but you still aren't out there dribbling, passing and shooting.”

Krauss believes much of the Blue Streaks' success over the years is because he and his assistants have remained part of the program for nearly two decades.

“It's been a great situation for me just to work under coach Krauss,'' Kennedy said. “He's a great guy to work under, so that's why I've stayed.

“It's an assistant's job you can't beat. First, the kids are great. Secondly, I get to do the same things that a head coach does without the headaches.''

Frank admits he hasn't ruled out becoming a head coach some day. But there's a catch to pursuing a top job.

“The only place I'd ever want to be head coach is here at Archbold,'' Frank said. “If that works out, great. If not, I'm not going anywhere.