Derrick Webb, Managing Editor
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
WAVERLY — As if Jeff Noble’s list of accomplishments isn’t already long enough, the heralded Waverly baseball coach joined truly elite company on Thursday night.
Noble’s Tigers topped Northwest by a 12-2 final in non-league action, handing Noble his 500th career coaching victory.
“This accomplishment is definitely a ‘we’ accomplishment,” Noble said. “It makes you reflect on all the great players and assistant coaches we have had over the years at two different schools. Without the support from the players, community, school administration and family, things like this are impossible. I have been blessed from day one, starting with Tom Monroe, Gabby Smith, Steve Crace, Roger Kemper, my wife Melodie and son, Jeffrey. How many guys get to coach with, and coach, their son? It’s been a great ride.”
He becomes just the 47th coach in OHSAA history to claim that honor and the sixth-ever coach to do it in the Southeast District — Chris Veidt, Whiteoak (502), Pat Hendershot, Wellston (530), Ron Allen, Zane Trace (543), Dean Schuler, Valley (570) and John Nelson, Fairfield Union (687).
Noble was inducted into the Southeast District Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame on June 8, 2015 — becoming the second Waverly baseball coach to earn the honor.
As the Tigers’ skipper, Noble is now 432-257. He was 68-87 during his tenure at Western High School, early in his coaching career. Now, after Thursday’s win, his overall coaching record stands at 500-344.
His resume also includes six district championships and two regional final appearances.
Needless to say, he’s forgotten more than a lot of people know about baseball.
This year, after Thursday’s victory, the Tigers sit at 10-9 overall. And, while they’ve struggled in spurts, they’ve also shown promise in others.
Waverly will end its regular season with dates against Oak Hill, Vinton County, Alexander, Logan Elm, Chillicothe, Amanda-Clearcreek and Jackson.
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