Bob Ronai file
Bob Ronai compiled a 97-79 record in eight seasons as coach of the Middletown boys basketball team. Here is the season-by-season breakdown:
2004: 7-15
2005: 5-16
2006: 7-15
2007: 13-9
2008: 15-8
2009: 19-3
2010: 13-8
2011: 18-5
MIDDLETOWN — Since 2003, Middletown High School has had five different football coaches and four different girls basketball coaches, but there has been only one boys basketball coach.
Bob Ronai has led the Middies on the hardwood for the past eight seasons, compiling a 97-79 record that includes a 78-33 mark in the past five seasons. But now the search begins for his replacement.
Ronai, who admitted he had been considering not returning next season, said he was told by Athletic Director Gary Lebo Wednesday that the administration wanted to go in a “different direction.”
“He already knew I was leaning toward not returning next season,” Ronai said of Lebo. “But I wanted to take until after the break to make sure I felt right about it. When you’ve been doing this as long as I have, sometimes you just need a break.
“There is no way I could have done the program the way I wanted with all the family commitments I have right now,” he continued. “I love the kids and I still enjoy coaching, but I wouldn’t want to do anything to hurt these kids or the program. It’s been a great ride.”
Lebo had no comment when asked what direction the administration wanted to go in.
“You’ll have to ask Bob about that,” Lebo said. “Bob has been extremely successful winning more than 70 percent of his games the last five seasons. We wish him all the best, but we’re going to move forward.”
The news came as a shock to several Middie players during a team meeting held after school.
“I was shocked,” said junior Geovonie McKnight, who was the Greater Miami Conference’s leading scorer. “I didn’t expect it because the group we will have back are most of the starters.
“It’s going to be tough going into my senior year with a new coach and having to learn a new system,” he continued. “Hopefully, we can get a good coach in here soon and get started preparing for next season.”
Sophomore Jalin Marshall agreed: “I was surprised. I thought he’d be back, but I understand. He is a great coach and I respect him a lot.”
Lebo said there was no time frame yet in place in which to have the position filled.
“I have not had the opportunity to discuss this with the administration yet, but I’m sure we will want to move quickly,” he said. “I most definitely feel we can draw some top quality coaches because of the success we have had.”
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