Coach Baughman riding the Storm

Matt and I headed to Newark, OH to visit with Coach Randy Baughman (pictured above – check out the whole gallery here) at Licking Valley High School. I’m sure I’m not the first person to ever notice the big basket-shaped building in Newark, Ohio; home of the Longaberger Basket Company. But, Matt and I had to stop as it made for a great photo opportunity.

We arrived at Licking Valley High School and toured the football stadium and weight room. Matt jumped the hurdles on the track, and I got a little work out in on the bench press. We met Coach Baughman in his office. He was thrilled that Storm Klein will be representing Team USA in Junior World Championship. He described Klein as a gifted, tough and competitive athlete. Licking Valley will be hard pressed to find someone to replace Klein. As Baughman said, “We just kinda Rode Storm” during the play-offs. Coach Baughman encouraged Storm to play for Team USA, as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a chance to represent the USA.

Teammate Vince German talked about playing with Klein the past four years. German described Klein as a great athlete, but a better friend. He said, “it was an honor to play with Storm.” German will be heading to play for Bowling Green this fall.