By Bob Strohm and Chris Stone
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com

The Bucyrus Lady Redmen made quite a steal when the Board of Education approved the hiring of Bethany Guinther as girls’ basketball coach and high school science teacher Thursday evening.

Guinther comes to Bucyrus from Ridgedale where she led the Lady Rockets to four league championships, six district appearances and three district runner-up finishes.

Guinther talked about her coaching approach that led to receiving the MOAC Coach of the Year honor in 2010.

“I like to get up and run. I know coach Moore ran with them as well,” Guinther said. “I like to kind of have a fluid offense where everyone can play in every type of position. Just looking at what their strengths are and hoping to improve on their strengths.”

Along with accolades of MOAC coach of the year in 2010, Guinther was also the named Central District Coach of the Year.

Guinther explained why she left Ridgedale to come to Bucyrus,

“It was just a new opportunity for me to be able to come they were very welcoming. I had seen some girls play some AAU basketball, and was told about the tradition in the community how supportive they were here” Guinther said. “And I just thought it would be a good switch for me.”

Both Bucyrus and Ridgedale will be founding members of the Northern 10 Conference which begins play in 2014.

“Bethany had a great plan for the program,” Athletics/Activities Director Tom Jeffrey said. “She has been a successful head coach and I feel will be a great fit for Bucyrus High School.”

“I am very excited to have Bethany Guinther leading our Lady Redmen basketball program,” Secondary School Principal Dr. Mark Burke said. “She brings strong desire to be a great teacher and coach for the Bucyrus students.”

Prior to her tenure at Ridgedale, Guinther served on the basketball staffs at Cardington-Lincoln and Westerville.

“Coach Guinther brings a track record of success and wealth of experience to Bucyrus with her 14 years of coaching experience,” Superintendent Kevin Kimmel said. “Her high energy level, together with her knowledge of the game, made her the best candidate. We are excited for this next chapter in the Bucyrus girls basketball program and look forward to Bethany and her family becoming part of the Redmen family.”