Former Carroll and Beavercreek assistant boys basketball coach Donnie Tate was named Wednesday to succeed Perry Caldwell as the boys varsity basketball coach at Bellbrook High School.
This is the first varsity head coach position for Tate, 40 and a Beavercreek graduate. He has 14 years of coaching experience and most recently was in his second stint as a varsity assistant at Carroll (2014-16). He also was a varsity assistant at Beavercreek (2003-08).
“To be honest, I thought if I got a head coaching job it would be rebuilding somewhere,” said Tate, who has been a teacher in the Beavercreek City School District the last 17 years. “I really couldn’t have walked into a better position than I am. The pieces are there.”
Caldwell, 45, was the Golden Eagles’ varsity head coach the last 14 seasons. Also a Bellbrook grad, he cited growing family commitments for his resignation following last season. He compiled a 177-127 overall record and won eight Southwestern Buckeye League Southwestern Division titles, including seven straight that ended during Luke Kennard’s era at Franklin.
Bellbrook was 7-17 last season.
“We are excited about what Coach Tate brings to our program and his enthusiasm,” Bellbrook athletic director Tom Bean said in a statement. “We think Coach Tate will bring a spark to the entire program and fully support a system approach that focuses on development from the bottom up that will include the youth programs as well.”
Bellbrook’s girls program was 26-1 last season, losing only to eventual state Division II champion Alter in a regional semifinal.
The Bellbrook football program also will feature a new head coach this coming season. Jeff Jenkins, a Bellbrook grad and previously a Golden Eagles assistant, was promoted to succeed Kevin Basinger, who resigned after 19 seasons.
Tate has had two summer practices with the Golden Eagles. He cited two returning seniors and a strong junior class.
“I’m excited,” he said. “For a first job with no coaching ties to Bellbrook it’s a perfect situation.”
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