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King ready to resume varsity role at United
By TOM WILLIAMS
HANOVERTON
Tim King, United High’s new boys basketball coach, hopes he can recreate a lasting program like the one he began at Western Reserve 29 years ago.
“Long range, they want someone to put in a program that will last,” said King who coached at Western Reserve from 1981-2000.
Then Steve Miller took over for King and remains the Blue Devils coach.
“I’d say the program at Reserve has been pretty consistent,” King said.
King teaches American Government Senior Current Issues classes at Western Reserve. He’s been out of coaching since 2007 and has been recovering from knee surgery “brought on by old age and being a former athlete.”
Ten years ago, King stepped down as Western Reserve to be an assistant with the Mount Union College women’s team. After two seasons, he became an assistant with the Hubbard High varsity when his son Tom was the head coach.
In 2005, he rejoined the Western Reserve program, coaching the freshmen team for Miller. In 2007, he needed surgery and decided it was time for a break until the right job came along.
“I was looking to get back into varsity coaching as early as 2005-06,” King said. “I’ve been waiting for a job close enough so I could keep teaching at Reserve.”
When United’s Mike Ward resigned as the varsity basketball coach to take over the Golden Eagles’ football program, King applied for the job.
It’s the second time he’s been a coach for United. King’s career began at Avon in 1972 and then United in 1973. He also made stops at Waynedale and West Branch before becoming the Western Reserve varsity coach.
King said his break from varsity coaching was prompted by the sport’s evolution into a year-round program.
“It wasn’t coaching, it was the out-of-season stuff,” King said. “Everything I did after Western Reserve involved no summer activities.
“But I kind of got the bug to get back in coaching because I missed being responsible for preparations,” King said. “I missed the competition.”
King said his program will continue to stress defense.
“I don’t think the game has changed much,” King said. “We’ll emphasize defense. My calling card has always been defense.”