Craig Sebring is embarking on a new coaching challenge.
The former River High athletic great was recently named head boys' basketball coach at Shenandoah High School. Sebring replaces a Noble County coaching legend in Dan Schweiterman, who won more than 400 games in his Zeps' hoops career.
Sebring comes well groomed for his new challenge as he has been associated with Shenandoah basketball for 18 years, 16 as the Zeps' frosh boss. In addition to learning from Schwieterman, Sebring played for Dick Potts at River, a coaching legend with more than 500 victories to his credit.
"I have been around some great basketball minds in Coach Potts and Coach Schwieterman. They combined for more than 900 wins and have helped shape me as a basketball coach," Sebring said.
Sebring graduated from River High in 1988 after stellar careers in hoops, track and football. He continued his academic and athletic careers at Muskingum College.
Upon graduation from the New Concord-based institution of higher learning, Sebring landed a teaching job at Shenandoah. The high school math teacher has resisted overtures to leave.
"I really enjoy coaching and teaching at Shenandoah. I have had ample opportunities for teaching and coaching jobs in the area. But I love Shenandoah," Sebring noted. "Becoming head basketball coach here has been one of my goals."
Sebring will be taking over a squad which went 10-11 last winter. "Defense will come first. In school I was always the guy who guarded the other team's best player, so defense is placed at a premium," he said. "We have some nice athletes returning and have eight strong players to build with. However, most of them are posts, so we are looking for some guards.
"But we will mix things up. We will push the ball and play up-tempo at times and press fullcourt to present a different look," Sebring continued. "We hope to continue to build on the tradition Coach Schweiterman has built."
Sebring will have a trusted and battled tested assistant as longtime varsity aide Dave Easterling will remain in that role.
The Zeps face a challenging schedule as the Pioneer Valley Conference boasts a host of talented teams.
Moreover, the Zeps play the likes of Meadowbrook, Newcomerstown and Shadyside outside the PVC.
Craig and his wife Shannon have two children: Tucker, 10, and Rhyan, 6. They reside in Caldwell. Sebring's sister, Tamara, was also a River High stellar athlete and now is head girls' track coach at Cambridge High School.
