Former Jackson state title winning head coach becomes Mount Union's all-time wins leader

 Former Jackson state title winning head coach becomes Mount Union's all-time wins leader

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

ALLIANCE--14 years ago, Mike Fuline was at the height of his dominance.

In his fifth season atop the Jackson High School boys basketball program, the Polar Bears became unlikely Division I state champions and finished ranked 25th in the nation with a 25-2 record punctuated by a 57-35 pillaging of tradition-laden Cincinnati Moeller in the state final.

14 years later, Fuline experienced another coaching accomplishment, this time at the collegiate level.

Surviving multiple Marietta runs, the Purple Raiders were able to finally close the door on their OAC rival Pioneers and emerge victorious inside the Timken Physical Education Center with a gritty 82-77 victory against a rival they have had a major history with dating back to their 2013 OAC tournament final.

Early on it didn't look like Mount Union would have to sweat out a victory as they led by 10 at halftime and eventually pushed their lead to 13 before the Pioneers rallied to make it a contest. It was Jayden Bradshaw missing a point blank range layup in the closing seconds amid tough defense from sophomore Elijah Farrington that allowed the Purple Raiders to ascend to 5-0 in the conference and 8-4 overall.

The fact Mount survived a testy second half proved advantageous and may do just that down the line.

"This was an impossible game to officiate. There were fouls and it's a rivalry game. They are really good and sometimes emotions get a little rowdy but I am proud of our guys for hanging in there and getting key rebounds when we needed to," Fuline, who became the school's all-time leader in wins with 252 said.

Mount Union and Marietta have met four times in the OAC tournament finals, each school splitting two wins apiece and don't be alarmed if there is a fifth meeting come late February. Although the Pioneers are 1-4 in conference play, that is a deceiving 1-4 and their run may come soon.

COACH' S CONFERENCE. Mount Union head coach Mike Fuline chats with his staff during a media timeout in Wednesday's OAC conference contest with Marietta. Fuline became the school's leader in victories with 252 as the Purple Raiders downed the Pioneers 82-77. (Keno Sultan/Stark County Prep Press)

A Jack Main layup handed the Pioneers their first and only lead of the contest with 50 seconds remaining. However, Purple Raiders freshman Jarrett Taylor converted two free throws after a big offensive rebound following two missed free throws from Farrington.

Mount Union according to Fuline didn't shoot the ball well but were able to get down and dirty on the defensive end to emerge victorious.

"We really didn't shoot it well tonight so that is something we are continuing to work at but I am proud of our guys for continuing to keep fighting and finding a way to get it done," he said.

Mount Union had five players in double figures, led by the 17 points from Christian Parker, the school's all-time leading scorer and the only player to eclipse the 2,000 point plateau. Chance Casenheiser and Jarrett Taylor both had 14, Farrington chipped in with 11 and Marcus Steele had 10.

Frank Waganfeald paced the Pioneers with 18 while Main finished with 16 for the 4-7 Pioneers (1-4 OAC).

It all added up to a seraphic evening that ended with Fuline becoming Mount Union's all-time leader in victories. When asked what was it that brought him to Mount Union after a six-year run as Jackson's floor general, the family atmosphere he preached was the main catalyst.

"The people, the campus and the tradition of winning. If the football team can win, why can't we. That is what it was and now 14 years later, that's a long time. It was also great seeing our former players here too," he said.

14 years ago, Mike Fuline was at the height of his dominance as a state champion head coach at Jackson High School. 14 years later he is at the height of the Mount Union Purple Raiders basketball program as it's all time leader in wins.

Keno Sultan is a writer for Stark County Prep Press. He can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.