BUCYRUS — For over four decades, Phil Joseph coached and taught at Bucyrus City Schools.
Having come to Bucyrus as the head basketball coach in 1980, Joseph spent just five years at the helm. But he went on to coach under 12 other head coaches over the years.
While success was spotty, Joseph stayed the course, whether at head coach, varsity assistant, junior varsity, or freshmen levels. That loyalty was recognized and rewarded Saturday night, between games with Seneca East, when the Bucyrus administration named the court in his honor.
Henceforth, the facility will be called Phil A. Joseph Court at Alex Kish Memorial Gymnasium.
“When Randy Blankenship, president of the school board, told me, I was just amazed and shocked. I was humbled,” Joseph said. “It’s one of those terrific things that happen that I never dreamed would happen.”
The stands and sidelines were filled with former coaching colleagues, players, fellow teachers, and students as Blankenship made the presentation of the floor. At Joseph’s side were his wife, Pat, children Phil and Missy, and his grandchildren.
Joseph got a taste of Crawford County when, in 1972, he came to Galion as an assistant from Maysville, where he had begun his coaching career.
After two years, he got his first head coaching gig at Utica, and two years later, landed the Newark Catholic job. In six years there, Joseph won three league titles, made a Sweet 16 appearance, and was named Licking County League Coach of the Year in 1978.
With those credentials in hand, Joseph accepted the Bucyrus job in the fall of 1980. He did not know then the length of his stay.
“I didn’t envision 40 years, but I knew it was going to be my last stop,” Joseph said. “My kids were happy here; my wife was happy here. I liked the town.”
Despite stepping down as the head coach, Joseph still had coaching in his blood. So, he accepted assignments from subsequent head coaches as needed. All wanted his coaching expertise and familiarity with the program. At least one would not have taken the job without Joseph’s presence. Joseph never sought out other coaching jobs.
“A lot of coaches move around, and they like that,” Joseph said. “And some just stay at one spot and they enjoy that and that’s the way I was.”
While Joseph was part of Todd Martin’s staff that won a share of the North Central Conference title in 2002-03, there was one thing he did miss.
“We had some winning seasons. We won tournament games,” Joseph said. “We beat Lexington (in 1982) on a Jay Keller bank in shot over at Galion. Lexington was a heavy favorite at that time.
“We beat Ontario on a last-second shot too, a few years ago in the tournament,” he continued. “We came close to winning a sectional but never quite got there.”
Though recent health issues have limited what he can do directly, Joseph remains in close contact with current head coach Brian Hargis and attends most home games. His involvement has waned, but his love for the program is as strong as ever.
Joseph was overwhelmed to now be included with Alex Kish as part of the gym’s name, who, like Joseph, was dedicated to the system for nearly four decades.
“I didn’t know Mr. Kish, but I heard wonderful things about him — a great educator, a great teacher, just a good person,” Joseph said. “I’m thrilled to be here.”
Several awards have come Joseph’s way over his storied career. Among them:
- Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association 100 Career Wins
- Bob Arnzen Award for coaching more than 20 years
- Respect the Game Award in 2013
- Mac Morrison Award from the Northwest District Athletic Board
- Bucyrus City Schools Hall of Fame
But this was different and seemed to hold a special place in Joseph’s heart.
With his legacy set, Joseph says he remembers some words of wisdom from his father.
“My dad always told me, ‘Hang around with good people.’ And look at me now. I’m hanging around with good people.”
Those good people acknowledged the devotion and contributions Joseph has made to the Bucyrus school system by leaving his name on the basketball floor for future generations to remember.