By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The “Getting to Know” series is designed to help the community learn more about the coaches and administrators that are guiding today’s Portage County student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Today, we get to know Windham High School boys basketball coach Cody Apthorpe, who is a Bombers graduate and in his first season leading the program.

Q: Hometown?

A: Windham, Ohio.

CODY APTHORPE

Q: Education?

A: Windham High School (Class of 2009), Bowling Green State University (Class of 2014). Bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education (grades 4 through 9 in Math and Science). Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.

Q: Current occupation?

A: Fifth ans sixth grade math teacher at Windham Junior High.

Q: What inspired you to be a coach?

A: My love for sports and using coaching as a way to positively serve and influence the youth.

Q: What makes being coach at Windham special to you?

A: My pride for Windham has roots long before I was born. Growing up, both sides of the family instilled in me the importance of tradition and respecting and honoring those before me. I grew up around basketball with my dad coaching from literally the time I was born. Windham is a unique community, with a large amount of diversity, although having such a small population. Basketball has been a longstanding tradition that has brought our small town together many times over the years. Many players from the past vividly remember their team’s record, how far they made it in the state tournament, personal and team statistics, and more, which are all examples of the pride people have developed for our basketball program. I am extremely proud and honored to carry on the legacy that Coach (Marty) Hill devoted countless hours cherishing.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence?

A: My parents, Coach Hill, coach (Greg) Cowan, coach (Terry) Peterson, Bill, Gregg and Big Bill Isler. I’ve held and been a part of many conversations with these individuals. They have all helped guide me through trials and errors and also allowed me to bounce ideas off of them to get their input on new ideas to try. This list only names a few, but many people have helped inspire, influence and guide me in my journey as a coach.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: King of Queens.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: Space Jam and Lion King.

Q: Favorite musical artist?

A: Kip Moore and Eric Church.

Q: Favorite food or meal?

A: Anything BBQ.

Q: Best vacation?

A: Honeymoon to Punta Cana and cruise to the southern Caribbean Islands.

Q: Shoutout to former teammates?

A: Bub Ridenbaugh, Dave Vansteenburg, Rico Hall, Jay Lugo, Jeff Harris, Cody Washington.

Q: Favorite quote?

A: “Good, better best … never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is your best.”

Q: Describe your coaching philosophy?

A: Hold each other accountable. Be a good person and good teammate. Play hard.

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: Cockeye BBQ.

Q: Favorite teacher from high school?

A: Mrs. Selner and Mr. Eakins.

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

A: Stay driven when things don’t work exactly like you plan and have faith in knowing things will work out as they are meant to be.

Q: Favorite coach from your playing days?

A: My dad.

Q: Coaching resume?

A: Rootstown 8th grade girls basketball (1 year), Rootstown 7th grade boys basketball (1 year), Rootstown 8th grade boys basketball (3 years), Windham JV boys basketball (3 years), Windham varsity boys basketball (1st season).

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: Windham Bombers.

Q: Favorite athlete then?

A: Michael Jordan.

Q: Favorite athlete now?

A: Justin Verlander.

Q: First job as a teenager?

A: Landscaping.

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

A: Mom and dad.

Q: Favorite video game?

A: As a kid, Super Mario 64. I couldn’t tell you the last time I played a video game within the last 10 to 15 years.

Q: First car?

A: Black 2-door Pontiac Grand Am.