The Barberton community mourns the loss of Chad Hazard, a man whose contributions have left an indelible mark. This article reflects on his life, achievements, and the impact he had on those around him.
A Community Pillar
Laverne M. Hazard, 93, passed away January 16, 2015. Laverne was a 1939 graduate of Barberton High School, worked at the Barberton Auto Club for many years and was a longtime member of the First Lutheran Church in Barberton.
Preceded in death by husband, Carter Hazard; daughter, Carla Hottsinpiller; brothers Albert and Norman; and sister, Evelyn Laverne is survived by her son, Larry; grandchildren, Chad, Vanessa, Gavin, Jana and Brent; great grandchildren, Taive, Ellie, Nate and Haley; and niece Pattie (Glenn) Triplett.
Family will receive friends Monday from 4-8 pm at Cox Funeral Home, 222 Norton Ave., Barberton.
If desired, memorials may be made to the church.
Read also: The Life of Chad Everett Harris
On Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 249 2nd St. NW, Barberton, Ohio 44203 with Pastor Erik Swanson officiating. Burial at Greenlawn Cemetery.
“This is a special year,” said head coach Chad Hazard, adding that the team set out to make the “biggest turnaround in history” and met that goal and more.
“I’m speechless with what they accomplished,” Hazard said of the reversal. The team reached the No.
The team of seniors Angelo Harper, Robert Davis, Cory Martin, Jeremy Sharp, Xzavier Macon, Dylan Alati, Kenneth Larry and Mike Jones, along with juniors De’arion Holley, Kardiay Tyler and Kameryn Kennerly, and sophomores Mark Tavanello, Joseph Ondo and Colton Cline was led by Hazard and assistant coaches Ali McGill, Joe Ondo, Mark Tavenello, Monta Smith and Samarr Lopp.
Ken Rector's Retirement and Hazard's Rise
What a year for Barberton Magic coaches! Wrestling Coach Jason Morr is selected for the Barberton Sports Hall of Fame, football Coach Tony Gotto passes Rudy Sharkey on the all-time wins list, and basketball Coach Ken Rector passes Jeff Janiga also in all-time wins.
Read also: "Married to Evil": Chad Graves
While Gotto and Morr remain, Ken Rector has decided to retire.
Current Magic Coach Chad Hazard was both a player and assistant coach under Rector.
He had plenty of praise for Coach Rector.
“What separated Coach Rector from other coaches was his meticulous planning and preparation.
Every second of every practice was accounted for, you weren’t ever going to out work or outthink Kenny Rector!
Read also: Vallow-Daybell Trial: Key Evidence
You don’t win over 300 games and all those league titles without being a mastermind.
The guy was a flat-out winner!”
Ken Rector's Illustrious Career
On Nov. 30, 1996, Mike Perry scored 36 points for the Magics as they downed Cleveland East Tech 79-74 for Coach Rector’s first win.
That win plus 313 more as boys coach and 35 as girls coach pushed his 349 wins past Janiga’s 347.
When asked about reflecting on his career and memories that stand out, Rector simply said that it would be impossible, because there were so many, both as a player and as a coach.
What he does say is, as a player, it would be hard to match being on the 1982 team, that amazed everyone by making it to the State Final game.
After watching those great Magic teams from 1975 through 1981 made being a player on that 1982 like a dream come true.
Then being able to coach Magic teams for 20 years was so special.
His motivation was to provide his players with the memories he had as a Magic player.
“I feel like I never stopped being and will never stop being a Barberton basketball player!
I have been a functioning part of Barberton basketball for 36 of the past 44 years as a player, helper, and boys’ and girls’ coach!
It’s just who I am!”
Rector’s memories as a coach are more about people, especially family, and not about games or plays.
Like being lost in the moment and finding and hugging wife Brenda, after winning that first District title, or watching his kids cutting down the nets in ’06 and ’09.
Also, getting to spend everyday with son Austin when he was a Magic player.
Rector also knows he was fortunate to have great assistant coaches.
Rob Walker was his assistant for 25 years.
He noted Walker had many chances to be a head coach elsewhere but chose to remain dedicated to both the boys’ and girls’ programs at Barberton.
Other assistants who Rector was grateful to have are Ricky Cardinal, Dan Donnelly, Josh Wilson, and Skylar Shifferly.
Coach and player Rector had many successes during his career.
He was particularly successful at the famed Ind Arts gym.
At the gym as a player he averaged 16.5 points per game, with a high game of 31 against Toledo DeVilbiss.
His teams were 24-2 during his career at the gym.
As a coach his record was 42-2 at the old gym.
That’s a pretty amazing record of 66-4 as both a player and coach.
Overall, as a coach he won seven Sectional titles, three District titles, and had three regional appearances.
In 2002, he was named Summit County Coach of the Year and Plain Dealer Coach of the Year.
Ken Rector by the Numbers
Here's a look at Ken Rector's impressive coaching statistics:
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Sectional Titles | 7 |
| District Titles | 3 |
| Regional Appearances | 3 |
| Summit County Coach of the Year | 2002 |
| Plain Dealer Coach of the Year | 2002 |
| Record at Ind Arts Gym (Player) | 24-2 |
| Record at Ind Arts Gym (Coach) | 42-2 |
| Total Record at Ind Arts Gym | 66-4 |
3 injured in Barberton shooting
Popular articles:
tags: #Chad
