Vote for the 2025-26 Stark County High School Boys, Girls Coach of the Year

[ASFN Admin]

With the OHSAA sports season over for the 2025-26 school year, we're looking back at the best of the school year. Readers will vote to determine who they think were Stark County's best teams, coaches and athletes of the past 11 months.

This week, we ask who you think was the best boys and girls high school coaches of 2025-26? Each coach’s credentials are listed above the poll — which will be live until 5 p.m. Thursday, July 23. The winners will be announced July 24 on CantonRep.com.

Now, let's meet the candidates selected by the Repository sports staff.

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Nominees for Stark County Girls Coach of the Year, in alphabetical order:​

Emily Brislen, Louisville softball​

Guided the Leopards to the state tournament as they finished as the Division III state runner-up.

Steve Ramos, Perry wrestling​

Led the Panthers to their first team state championship, earning a coach of the year honor from the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

Stephanie Tortola, Marlington volleyball​

Coached the Dukes to the state tournament each of the last three seasons.

Tim Vandervaart, Canton Central Catholic basketball​

Led the Crusaders to their first state tournament since 1981, as they finished as the Division VI state runner-up.

Nominees for Stark County Boys Coach of the Year, in alphabetical order:​

Bryan Ashby, Hoover baseball​

Guided the Vikings to their first state tournament since 1999 as they won a Division II regional title.

Shane Byler, Lake Center Christian baseball​

Coached the Tigers to their second straight state final and their first state title, as they won the Division VI state championship.

Chet Harper, Alliance basketball​

Guided the Aviators to their first regional appearance in 43 years, winning a second straight EBC title in going 23-3.

Josh Hose, Massillon basketball​

Led the Tigers to the school's first state title in basketball, winning the Division II state championship.


The Canton Repository sports department can be contacted via email at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Vote for the 2025-26 Stark County High School Boys, Girls Coach of the Year

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