He is one of only a few girls coaches in state history to hit four digits in games coached. Another current coach who also has been in place for that many games is Mary Jo Huismann of Cincinnati Mother of Mercy.
“Like I’ve always said, I think I have the best coaching job anywhere in the state of Ohio because of the great kids and parents, administration and community that we have,” Zink said. “If you don’t have that, there’s no way you stay that long.”
A Beavercreek grad, Zink has been the Beavers’ head coach since the sport was sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association beginning the 1975-76 season. His 759-241 career win/loss record (a .759 winning percentage) ranks first in all-time state wins, a mark he’s held – and padded - for three consecutive seasons.
Former Beavercreek players joined the team in saluting Zink afterward, exchanging photos and posing for selfies with their former coach.
Zink credited former Beavercreek athletic directors Rex Warner and Bevan Garwood for their long-ago support. Warner hired Zink to the position when there were no other takers and talked him into keeping the job after his first three teams went 7-6, 3-11 and 1-19.
“I went to Rex and I said, look, this is not working,” Zink recalled. “Please get somebody else. He convinced me to stay and it’s 40 years later and I’m still there. He was so instrumental in that. When Rex left Bevan took over and he backed me. I’m so appreciative of them.”
Both Warner and Garwood are deceased.
Beavercreek girls basketball morphed into a major Division I state power under Zink. The Beavers were 28-0 and won a D-I state championship in 1995. That team featured guard and Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association D-I player of the year Amanda Reese.
The Beavers added two more D-I state titles in 2001 and ’03 with Associated Press tri-player of the year Alison Bales at center. Beavercreek advanced to six state final fours from 1991-2003.
Seniors Lexi Moore scored 19 points and Bailey Draughn added 10 in leading the Beavers over Northmont. It was the ninth straight win by the Beavers, who started the season 1-3. Beavercreek improved to 10-3 overall and leads the Greater Western Ohio Conference National East at 7-0.
“This group of kids, they are playing so well right now, especially defensively,” Zink said. “They are doing what we’re asking them to do and they’re fun to watch. Hopefully, we can continue that. We’re on a great streak right now and our record is a little bit better than I thought it would be.”
Junior Shalaya Heath led Northmont with 20 points. The Thunderbolts are 6-5 overall and 2-5 in the GWOC National West.
Zink, 65, is retired from teaching. He also served as the school’s AD and also was the school’s head softball coach and an assistant football coach early in his Beavercreek career. He excelled in football, basketball and baseball at Beavercreek and was the leading rusher as a junior on the 10-0 football team in 1968. He also was a football captain at the University of Dayton.
He continues to substitute teach for Beavercreek schools.
“I’ll sub (Thursday),” he said while celebrating with friends. “I didn’t think this out too well.”
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