POLAND HIRES FENDER TO LEAD BOYS HOOPS

POLAND, OHIO – Pending School Board approval on Monday, April 26th, the Poland Athletic Department would like to welcome back home Eric Fender as the next Head Boys Basketball coach at Poland Seminary High School. Eric takes over a Poland Basketball Program previously led the past 28 seasons by Ken Grisdale. Coach Grisdale retired from coaching at the end of last season. “Coach Fender brings a great understanding of the game, dedication to the program, and a true passion for what it means to be a member of the Poland Boys Bulldog Basketball Program,” said Brian Banfield, Athletic Administrator for the Poland Local Schools. “It is a tremendous honor to have to opportunity to be the next boys’ basketball coach at Poland Seminary High School. My hope is that we can continue the tradition of excellence that Coach Grisdale took this program to during his tenure as Poland Boys’ Basketball coach,” said Eric Fender. 

            Eric has served as a Varsity Assistant coach for the Bulldogs this past season, prior to this season, Eric was an assistant varsity coach at Boardman High School. Coach Fender also served as the head boys basketball coach for the Springfield Tigers for 8 years. In those eight seasons, Coach Fender has an overall record of 138-47. He has won 5 league titles and 1 District Title.

Eric graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 2003 and Mount Union College in 2007. He and his wife, Carolyn, of 8 years currently reside in Poland with their two children, Emery (2), and Tate (5).

*Story courtesy of Brian Banfield