A Look Inside Mastermind Coach and Mentor Dave Reinhart --Coach talks about his experience with Hopewell-Loudon’s Dynasty
by Keane, Captain Brinn's Ohio Varsity Contributer
Bascom, Ohio is known for it’s rich farmland and their historic Native American heritage. One thing Ohio volleyball savants know for this Bascom area is the rich volleyball tradition it has employed over the years. For such a small, rural school, just how did this high school manage to win 5 state titles in a row starting in the late 90s? Well, that has captivated not only myself, but many other high school volleyball coaches, programs, pure fans, and players. I decided to dive into this myth and get behind the figurehead who started this amazing run. I took the time to speak with none other than legendary head coach Dave Reinhart.
Coach Reinhart started his coaching stint very early in the Tiffin area, probably earlier than some believe.
I asked, “Coach how did you get interested and get started coaching volleyball? Also, what year did you start coaching volleyball at Hopewell-Loudon?” “I started coaching in CYO for St Patrick’s in Bascom way early. Over a 5 year stretch we won 89 matches in a row. I then coached Junior High at Hopewell-Loudon for 2 years. I did both 7th & 8th grade, and we went undefeated both of those years with both teams. I started coaching varsity at HL in 1983,” Reinhart stated.
From 1983 to 1994 Coach Reinhart was building his base for success. In 1994, he earned his first trip to the state final four where he met up with another coaching legend from St Henry in DeDe Stoner. St Henry went 26-1 that year in route to their 4th state title. Many programs including large division one schools took notice of what Hopewell-Loudon was doing. It wasn’t long before Hopewell-Loudon took over as the small school dynasty and became the precipice for ultimate success, but it wasn’t without some setbacks.
Coach Reinhart and company went on to return to the final four the very next year in 1995 only to fall to St Henry once again in the state championship match. Hopewell returned again in 1996 but ended up with the same result falling yet again to this huge MAC power in St Henry in the state-semi game. 1997 was the year Hopewell-Loudon got things going and ripped off 5 straight state titles (97, 98, 99, 00, 01). Only one school had ever won 5 straight titles in OHSAA history (Cincinnati St Ursula Academy claimed an outstanding 6 from 93-98).
I asked Reinhart, “What do you think was your formula for success at the high school level at such a small school?” “Hard work and work ethic by both the coach and the players. I think a lot of my success came form our youth programs that started in 4th grade and was run by myself on Sundays. I also started a strengthening program my first year for everyone including my youth teams in the younger grades,” replied Reinhart.
“Coach Reinhart, looking back on Hopewell’s success, did your prefer to run a 6-2 or 5-1?” He stated, “I would say a 5-1 because it takes a lot of extra time and training to become a next level setter. You are lucky to have one player in your program that will commit to the extra hard work and training.”
While it was truly amazing to see what Dave Reinhart and his teams were able to accomplish, many coaches still have ideas or thoughts about other things they wish they would have done.
I asked, “Looking back on your success, is there anything else you wish you could have conquered or achieved?” Dave stated, “I wished I would of expected more out of my teams in my first 10 years. I learned that if you don't expect it out of your players you will never get it.”
“Winning 5 state titles in a row definitely laid claim to a dynasty label for the Chieftains of Hopewell Loudon. What are your thoughts on this accomplishment? Does it seem surreal to have won that many in a row considering the talent level in your division?” “To win one was unreal but 5 was beyond my dreams," he stated. "We had made it to state 3 years in a row before we won, which I was proud of. I guess it was just a matter of the players believing in them selves and after that it just snow balled. We always had players ready to step in when a big name player would graduate.”
I think most can remember the names of DiDi Reynolds, Snyder, Emily Clouse, Susie Norris, Kim Norris, Lauren Kelbley just to name a few. It seemed like Hopewell imported these girls. They had height, extreme talent, strong mentality, and a good work ethic. With all these star-studded players over the years, I asked Coach Reinhart,
“While I'm sure each team holds a great value to you, is there any player or multiple players that stand out to you? If so, why?” “There are so many big names players that I remember, but for everyone of them I remember, I also remember the great role players who really helped make everyone’s dreams come true," he stated. "The studs are great but it was how the teams played that helped Hopewell-Loudon become a so called dynasty.”
I asked, “Out of all of your spectacular teams including your undefeated teams you coached at Hopewell, which team do you think stood out the most as far as talent and overall ability?” “Each team I coached had their character. I have never picked a favorite because to me they all were special,” stated Reinhart.
“While I'm sure the memories are endless, is there any one state title that was more special to you than the others Dave?” “I guess the time we beat St Henry in the semifinals. They beat us 15-7 and were up on us 9-2 and we came back and won 15-9 and then won the 3rd game.”
Considering the numerous undefeated runs in their MAL conference, one had to wonder what it was like for Hopewell-Loudon night in and night out to perform their A game with the big target they had on their backs. Also, the student support in the MAL had to make it tough for the Bascom program.
I asked Coach Reinhart, “Where was the most difficult atmosphere to play in? Which gym was the toughest?” “I feel playing at Seneca East and Calvert gyms because they were so small and loud!”
I asked, “Looking back, what do you feel was the most difficult part of coaching? What was the most enjoyable?” Coach Reinhart answered, “Cutting players and dealing with some parents in the early part of my coaching career. I had 2 parents run for school board to have me fired. At one of the meetings I was suppose to be hired but a positive board member was not there so the vote was 2-2 to hire so they tabled it and hired me at the next meeting. So some things never change. The most enjoyable was the last 9 years with no parent problems. All the parents were very supportive.”
I wonder how those parents feel now? I think Dave Reinhart proved he knew what it took to become not only a state championship coach, but a coach of a small school dynasty that has never been duplicated.
Finally, my discussion with Coach Reinhart focused on what he is working on currently since his retirement from Hopewell-Loudon.
I asked, “What are your future plans for the sport of volleyball? Are you still helping with the Black Swamp Club?” “Am I helping? I built the 3 court facility and I run it year round for volleyball only. My goal was 4 years ago when I built the facilty. It was to make Blackwamp into the strongest club in the OVR. The last two years our teams have won over 50 club tournaments, which is two as many as the closest club has won. There are clubs who have stronger national teams then us but no one is close to us overall. But Blackswamp Volleyball Club…that’s a whole different story” proclaimed Coach Reinhart.
Winning one state title is a huge feat. Winning 5 is even larger--Winning these 5 in a row is even more outstanding and one that may never be duplicated again. Dave Reinhart is an Ohio coaching legend whether he feels that way or not. He did what many other coaches dream of and never will be able to do. He did this at a small school with a limited pool of girls and yet still his teams performed at such a high level that he left many of us in awe. As you can tell from his current Blackswamp Volleyball Club performance, the man’s got a formula for success!
Dave Reinhart coached Hopewell-Loudon to 5 state championships in a row, 8 state appearances in a row, and 15 regional appearances in a row. He now is the director of the successful Black Swamp Volleyball Club. Visit their website at http://blackswampvolleyball.com
