By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

“Getting to Know” is an ongoing series created to spotlight the coaches and administrators that are guiding today’s Portage County student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Today, we get to know Field High School boys basketball coach Alex Blake, who is in his first season leading the Falcons’ program.

Q: Hometown?

A: Diamond, Ohio.

ALEX BLAKE

Q: High school?

A: Southeast High School. Class of 2008. Played football, basketball and baseball.

Q: Current occupation?

A: Material planner and buyer at Step 2.

Q: What inspired you to become a coach?

A: Four years ago, a friend of mine got the Field boys basketball coaching job and asked me to join his staff. Never a doubt in my mind that coaching was next in my journey of a sports-filled life.

Q: What makes being a coach at Field special to you?

A: Being a resident in the district for over six years now has shown me the true passion this district has for its students and student-athletes. It is not just sports that our community members care about, it is growing our youth to become better people. That is what makes Field special for me.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence?

A: Competing in the era of Marty Hill and John Herchek, while playing for Bob Dunn, was much of the influence I had for basketball.

Competing against two legendary coaches of Portage County taught me what grit was and how to get that out of the young men I hope to coach for many, many years.

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your playing days?

A: Well, Field has a special place in my sports history. Two times I experienced magical things against the Falcons. First being a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in the gym I coach in now to win a JV game as a freshman. The other was an onside kick against the Falcons at Freedom Field (Southeast) in the fall of 2006. I kicked it right off the chest of an opponent, who now is a friend of mine, which led to a comeback win on the ensuing drive.

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your coaching career?

A: Nothing comical during the short tenure at Field, but years back when I started at the youth level (6th grade), I was given a technical for asking a referee if he knew what a 3-second violation was. Leading to me sitting on the bench like a little kid for over three-fourths of the game.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory, ESPN.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: The Fast and Furious series.

Q: Favorite musical artist?

A: Zac Brown Band.

Q: Favorite meal?

A: Steak, egg noodles with some 2 percent milk.

Q: Best vacation?

A: Ireland (if my wife wants to move out of Field, that is the only place I am going).

Q: Shoutout to former teammates?

A: Too many to list. All of my teammates from fall of 2004 through spring of 2008. They all had an impact on my high-school sports career. I learned something from the guys my freshman year in all sports, which I passed on to the young guys when I became a senior.

Q: Favorite motto?

A: S.H.R.E.D. (Show up, Hustle, Repeat, Every, Day).

Q: Favorite quote?

A: “Rest at the end, never in the middle.” — Kobe Bryant

Q: Describe your coaching philosophy?

A: Things you do day in and day out create muscle memory. Practicing things the right way makes it easier when you and your teammates are tired. Do things together to make memories that can last a lifetime. This time of your life will be some of the best times you get to experience.”

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: Cheese Cake Factory (deserts make a restaurant for me).

Q: Favorite teacher from high school?

A: “The” Ralph Graham.

Q: Advice you would give the younger version of yourself?

A: Don’t shy away from the weight room. I was 145 pounds. Good teammates and good coaches will pick you up in the weight room. Making sure you fit in because you want to be better for the team. Don’t let your physical size dictate how much you care about your high-school career.

Q: Favorite coach from your playing days?

A: Jim Pflegerand Marcus Coldsnow. Both pushed me to become a better teammate.

Q: Coaching resume?

A: Field High School freshman boys basketball (2021-2022); Field High School boys basketball varsity assistant (2020-2023); Field High School boys basketball varsity head coach (2023-24).

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: Ohio State Buckeyes.

Q: Favorite athlete then?

A: JJ Reddick.

Q: Favorite athlete now?

A: Luka Doncic.

Q: First job as a teenager?

A: West Branch Marina.

Q: Family member that always gives you the best advice?

A: My sister Noelle Blake. Many, many things I learned from her, being three years older than me, she paved the way on what to do and what not to do.

Q: Halloween costume last year?

A: Classic Dad Bod. I have been that for a few years in a row now.

Q: Favorite video game?

A: It used to be NCAA Football, but FortNite takes the win now with my three kids.

Q: Can you play a musical instrument?

A: Saxophone back in the day (2001-04).

Q: Favorite candy?

A: Carmello.

Q: First car?

A: 1998 Plymouth Breeze.

Q: Best friends?

A: My wife, aka Sica, as her friends still call her. She is my biggest support. Kenny Elder and Daniel Nelms.

Q: Most memorable moment as a player?

A: Being part of league-championship teams early in my high-school career. You learn a lot about how to get to the top of your conference when you see the effort from older guys.

Q: Most memorable moment as a coach?

A: It has to be Dec. 7, 20-23, when 22 young men and three other coaches earned OUR first win. That will be a night I always cherish. It is easy to remember, too, when it is your wife’s birthday, as well.