Thu Sep 02 2010
I remember it vividly.
The Hudson baseball team lost another tough game to fall to 0-6 on the season.
Explorers head baseball coach Chuck Schilling didn't look like a happy man.
He voiced his displeasure to his players and the expression on his face would have made anyone run for cover.
I didn't look forward to speaking to him.
What in the world would this man say to me after another frustrating setback?
Heck, I wouldn't have been the least bit surprised if he would have told me to get out of his face.
As a reporter, however, I had a job to do. I had to interview him, regardless.
Actually getting a decent quote from him? My chances appeared to be slim to none.
But Schilling did something that caught me completely off-guard. In baseball terms, he threw me a curve.
"Hi Frank," he said with a smile.
That was nine years ago.
I don't remember too many details of that conversation, but I do recall his pleasant, upbeat demeanor.
Sure, he was disappointed, but his enthusiasm gave me the impression of a very bright future for his team.
Less than two months later, I started to wonder if I had spoken to a prophet.
Hudson, led by southpaw pitcher Jeff Long, wound up reaching a Division I regional final contest.
The Explorers' road finally ended with a 10-5 loss to eventual state champion Dublin Coffman, but Schilling's squad gave Hudson fans a season to remember after a nightmarish start.
Hudson hasn't been able to duplicate that same magic since then, but the Explorers haven't had any 0-6 starts, either.
As a result of his success during his 27-year coaching career at Hudson, including the last 22 years as the head coach, Schilling achieved an honor all coaches dream of achieving.
Schilling is now a member of the Northeast Ohio Coaches Baseball Association Hall of Fame. He was recognized June 24 at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
"This is an honor for the baseball program and all of the folks that have helped me get to this point in my career," Schilling said.
Schilling, a 1974 Stow-Munroe Falls graduate, has guided the Explorers to a 394-210 record during his tenure, which has included eight league titles, 15 sectional championships, two district crowns and one regional title.
Hudson had its best season in 1997 when it reached the state semifinals and finished 26-5.
Under Schilling's tutelage, the Explorers have won at least 20 games nine times.
The longtime coach also was named league coach of the year eight times and is a co-founder of the Portage County/Summit County Showcase. He was the director of that event from 1993 to 2004.
Schilling also knows a thing or two about loyalty. Let's just say his coaching staff doesn't need to wear name tags.
Jim Nold has been by Schilling's side for 21 years as an assistant coach. Paul Dudley has been with Hudson for 12 years and Buddy Dice and Kevin Dudley have been on Schilling's staff for nine and eight years, respectively.
Dave Spohn, an administrative assistant, has been with the program for 12 years and Christine Radie has been the team's scorekeeper for the last 11 years.
The current softball coach, Jeff Brown, was Schilling's assistant for 18 years before guiding the Lady Explorers to the state championship game in 2009.
"I am very fortunate to surround myself with not only good coaches, but great people," Schilling said.
Hudson's 2009 season may have reminded some folks of 2000.
Despite finishing with a 12-17 record, the Explorers won three tournament contests and reached a district championship game.
Hudson's season finally ended with a 5-0 loss to defending district champion Brecksville-Broadview Heights.
The Explorers won't be expected to lose 17 games next season. Several key players expect to return in 2010, so the future, much like the 2000 campaign, looks very bright.
One way or another, the newly inducted Hall of Famer won't let a smile disappear from his face.
I certainly appreciate his outgoing personality. Apparently, so do a number of others.
"We've had great parent and community support and outstanding student-athletes who also are pretty good baseball players," Schilling said. "They have made this a very enjoyable journey."
E-mail: faceto@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3914
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