COLDWATER, Ohio — Coldwater head coach Chip Otten is well known for his success on the sidelines for the Cavaliers.
But the longtime health teacher plays just as an important role in the classroom.
“Probably more than anything, I just like being with the kids — you get to know them a little bit,” Otten said. “I have every student in our school in 8th and 9th grade.”
“Just to see them grow up and you know mature over the years,” he said. “And try to help them, give them some tools to see them become — as I tell them the first day — become productive, caring, independent, dependable young adults.”
Senior Center Josh Kaup said the classroom connection actually helps build trust between the players and Coach Otten, which he thinks has led to the success on the field.
“I like how he’s just positive all the time,” Kaup said. “He’s always encouraging to us. He doesn’t ever like put people down and stuff, in the classroom and on the football field. He’s always encouraging and wants everybody to have fun.”
Coldwater coach Chip Otten overseeing a drill at practice before the state championships.
The results are clear. Since 2010, the Cavs have five state titles, three runner-ups and this year’s result is to be determined on Saturday night against Carey.
Otten said while the success has been phenomenal, it’s the relationships with the young people that he values the most.
“As I’ve gotten older, probably look for more of the enjoyment of watching everybody else be happy,” Otten said. “And really feels good for me that we’ve been able to sustain the success for a long period of time. That makes you feel good about the program.”
Otten is a very hands-on coach who often participates in the drills to guide the students through properly.
