'Tremendous opportunity': Barberton grad Chad Hazard is Magics new boys basketball coach
BARBERTON — After a successful run coaching in the Akron City Series, Chad Hazard is heading back home to coach basketball.
The former Barberton High School basketball standout has been hired as the Magics' boys basketball head coach. The Barberton City School District announced early Thursday evening the school board had hired Hazard. He replaces Kyle McBride, who resigned in April.
“This is a tremendous opportunity,” Hazard said in a statement released by the district. “In addition to being my home district, Barberton has a phenomenal reputation for supporting its students. It’s a place I’m proud to call home.”
Hazard is coming off guiding East to a 20-6 record and a Division II district runner-up finish. The 20 wins are the second most in program history. East also beat eventual Division II state champion Buchtel during the regular season.
Hazard is a 2000 Barberton graduate and played guard for the Magics. He owns a 54-28 record as a head coach during his time at Ellet and the past three seasons at East. He also was an assistant coach at each of those City Series schools, in addition to being an assistant at Barberton and Cleveland Heights.
“We are fortunate in Barberton to have so many talented people who have graduated from our school system and are also eager to serve our students and community,” school board president Tom Harnden said in a statement.
The release from the district said Hazard "is eager to be known for his passion for helping young people become the best versions of themselves, both as a teacher and a coach."
Hazard will teach programs in the district for career pathways, including the Jobs for Ohio Graduates (high school) and Jobs for America's Graduates (middle school) courses. He takes over a Barberton program that did not win a game this past season, but won 17 games as recently as the 2019-20 season.
“We know basketball is important in Barberton, and Mr. Hazard is eager to lead our young men in the classroom and on the court,” Barberton Superintendent Jeff Ramnytz said in a statement. “He is known for his passion and high energy, and I’m confident he will provide a spark to our program and community.”
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Barberton High School hires Chad Hazard as boys basketball coach
