Even more so than athletes coaches are judged on wins and losses which may or may not be fair. 

John Truhan and his family with the game ball from his 300th win
John Truhan and his family with the game ball from his 300th win (Townsquare Media NJ)
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Even the best need talent to work with although the really good ones seem to get the most out of what they have. On the high school level you have programs that are successful year in and year out and in most cases you can point to coaches who maximize the talent they have because players come and go.

I have to admit it caught me off guard when I learned yesterday that Central Regional girls basketball coach John Truhan had collected his 300th coaching victory Tuesday night with a win over Pinelands.  Part of that is because it seems like it was just yesterday he was a scrappy little point guard playing for Toms River North in the WOBM Christmas Classic. It was actually in the mid 80’s.

We would then later become friends, I was there when he married Kim and have watched his children Kristy and John Jr. grow up.  I guess for some reason I still think of him as a young guy although each time I see him there are clearly more grey hairs.

John Truhan celebrates his 300th win with the Central Regional girls basketball team
John Truhan celebrates his 300th win with the Central Regional girls basketball team (Townsquare Media NJ)
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Anyway Truhan is without question one of the top girls basketball coaches in the shore and has had success at three different schools.  He guided Toms River South to a Group Championship game, built Colts Neck into a shore and state power and is now in his sixth season at Central where the Golden Eagles have been consistent winners.  In his 17th season Truhan’s career record of 300-122 is quite impressive and look for him to collect more milestone victories along the way.  Like I said the best coaches get the most out of their talent year in and year out and JT is among the best.

A quick reminder about tonight’s “Play It Clean” forum at the Pine Belt Arena in Toms River from 6-8pm.  Presented by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office the event will be moderated by former NFL running back Keith Elias and include Todd Frazier, Frankie Edgar, Tony Meola, Ray Lucas and Erin Cowley.  I will help MC the forum in which the pros discuss their experiences in athletics and the dangers of drug use.  The free event is open to student-athletes and their parents.

 

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