Springboro seeking new boys basketball coach

Youker finishes 32-41 in three seasons, including 12-23 in the Greater Western Ohio Conference. The Panthers finished 13-12 this season, advancing to the program's first Division I district final in seven years before falling 65-25 to two-time defending state champion Moeller.

“I was surprised,” Springboro athletic director Austin Rhoads said. “This year we finished the season on a really positive note. We won six of the last seven until we had to play Moeller. Getting to a district championship for the first time in several years was a good way to end the season. With that kind of momentum I was a little surprised. But I certainly respect Kyle as a coach and want to make sure he does what’s best for him and his family.”

Boro improved each year under Youker who took over for Mike Holweger in May 2017. After going 8-16 in 2018, the Panthers were 11-13 in 2019.

“These kids just really believed,” Youker said after the loss to Moeller. “And they played really, really hard for me all year.”

Prior to taking over the varsity team, Youker coached the Springboro freshman boys (2014-17) and the Panthers’ boys JV (2005-13). He was an assistant at Carroll from 2000-05.

Rhoads said he hopes to bring the right person in “as soon as we can” and that the position is “certainly wide open.”

“We will see what kind of interest we get,” Rhoads said.

Boro’s next head coach will be its fifth in 10 years. Troy Holtrey held the position for 21 seasons before being non-renewed following the 2012 campaign. Since then, Jay Byrne (2013), Holweger (2014-2017) and Youker (2018-20) have held the position.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest and coaching resume to Rhoads at arhoads@springboro.org. The deadline to apply is April 10.

“Right now everyone is in the same position we are,” Rhoads said. “We’re not missing out on workouts and getting together with the kids. I’m hoping that everyone is sitting at their computer, and the right candidate is reading our posting.”