McVeigh steps down after 20 years leading Perkins basketball program

PERKINS TWP. — Scott McVeigh announced Thursday that he is stepping down as Perkins' boys basketball coach, saying "it's just time." McVeigh, who two years ago fought to keep his job after he was told his supplemental contract would not be renewed, coached the Pirates for 20 seasons and won 251 games and two district titles. He said he has been thinking about the move for the last month and sought advice from many of his coaching friends. He kept coming back to what longtime Liberty-Benton coach Steve Williman once said about the profession. "When he got out he said, 'When the wins and losses feel the same it's time to get out.' That's where I'm at right now and I'm happy to go out on my own accord," McVeigh said. McVeigh told his players of his decision Thursday afternoon, six days after the Pirates' season ended with a sectional final loss to rival Sandusky. "I think I surprised them a little bit," McVeigh said. "It has nothing to do with them. Whoever comes in, I hope those kids give them their full support. I told them there's no one in the room who wants them to succeed more than me." McVeigh spent Saturday with his family in Columbus and told his wife, Tracie, and Perkins athletic director Ted Sturzinger on Monday that he was done. "She said we've never had a winter together since before we were married," McVeigh said. "I'll probably end up driving her nuts." The veteran coach, who turned 50 last July, led Perkins to district championships in 2012 and 2013 and won a regional game in 2012, finishing that season with a 23-3 record. The 2013-14 season capped a three-year run in which Perkins went an incredible 43-1 in the Sandusky Bay Conference, winning three straight titles. Despite plenty of success, McVeigh came under fire in recent years and was fired after the 2019-20 season. At the time, he said superintendent Todd Boggs cited "parental complaints" for the move in May 2020. McVeigh, backed by the Perkins teachers union, filed a grievance and the school board renewed his coaching contract a month later. Despite McVeigh's career winning record, the Pirates have had three straight losing seasons. McVeigh's last victory was a come-from-behind 44-43 win over Toledo Rogers in a Division II sectional opener last week. "Whatever sport you're in, losing wears on anybody," he said. McVeigh, who took the Perkins job when he was 29, endured three losing seasons before breaking through in his fourth. The Pirates didn't win a district tournament game until McVeigh arrived. "He put his heart and soul into the program," Perkins athletic director Ted Sturzinger said. "I can't thank him enough for the time he put in. His values are in order with what's best for the kids and you can't ask for anything more." Sturzinger said Perkins will post the job after the state tournament. With a talented young roster, it should attract plenty of interest. After he thought he lost his coaching job two years ago, McVeigh said he felt blessed to have the "best seat in the gym" at Perkins High School. He kept that seat for two more seasons and is proud to be called an old-school coach. "Some say it's a bad word, but I think it's a good word," he said. "It's about taking these guys and making them men and holding them accountable. I think that's needed more in today's world." McVeigh demanded accountability from his players, who had to be clean shaven. Long hair was not allowed and the Pirates were not allowed to wear jewelry, headbands and certainly not leggings, which many players now consider a fashionable part of their uniforms. "Kids haven't changed at all," he said. "The parents have held them less accountable and entitled them. Kids are going to do what you tell them and by and large want to get better. Expectations and standards are lower." McVeigh said he will continue as Perkins' girls soccer coach. The Pirates won the program's first SBC Lake Division championship last year in McVeigh's second season in that position. He said he won't totally rule out returning to a basketball gym in the future. "I'll never close the door on that completely," he said. "Coaching's coaching. It's teaching and that's the fun part. The biggest thing I'll miss is kids who want to work and get better. That's the rewarding part of it." 2020: McVeigh cites parental complaints for firing 2020: McVeigh ran a tight ship at Perkins 2020: Union contract cleared way for McVeigh's return ----- Scott McVeigh's coaching highlights at Perkins Career record — 251-203 (20 seasons) SBC championships (5) — 2006-07, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2016-17 District championships (2) — 2012, 2013 Regional runner-up (1) — 2012 (23-3 record) ----- Reaction on Twitter to Scott McVeigh's decision to step down at Perkins "Scott built one of the best programs in the area - and he always did things the right way. He's an outstanding coach and an even better person!" -- SMCC Hoops "I learned a TON on how to become a successful coach from coaching under @McveighScott for 10 yrs. Taught me not only how to effectively run practices, prepare for opponents & improve our student-athletes but also taught me a lot about life and accountability." -- Margaretta girls coach Eric Kochendoerfer "First class individual. Thanks coach." -- Gary Lill "Tremendous competitor and an absolute class act. Scott was fun to compete with and his teams were always ready to play." -- Former coach Von Graffin "Growing up in the gym wasn't always fun, but I can confidently say that I learned lessons that are going to stick with me forever. Watching you coach made me a better athlete and an even better person! So dang proud that I get to call you my dad!" -- Mollie McVeigh "Great coach, great career, greater person!! Best wishes in your next endeavors." -- New London girls basketball coach Eric Mitchell