Garaway’s Rowe honored for commitment to sportsmanship, ethics and integrity

Every high school coach gets into the game for the love of the game and to build teams that compete for wins and titles, but there is another aspect of the game that comes along with coaching that often doesn’t get enough promotion, that being helping young people build character, work ethic and unity as they develop toward adulthood.

Recently, one area head basketball coach was honored from his peers, and it is something that should be celebrated.

The Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association selects a boys and girls head coach as recipients of the group’s annual SEI Award, that standing for sportsmanship, ethics and integrity, values that help build character in players.

Each year the OHSBCA recognizes coaches who go above and beyond in representing these key qualities, and this year Garaway High School’s Terry Rowe was on the boys side of the honor.

The recipients are selected by a committee made up of boys and girls basketball coaches across the state of Ohio. Individuals selected should reflect the values of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity in all their professional responsibilities.

The OHSBCA chose Rowe of Garaway High School as the boys coach recipient and Mark Gregory of Convoy Crestview High School as the girls coach recipient of the OHSAA SEI Award. Each coach will be honored at their respective 2026 OHSAA State Basketball Tournaments.

“I was very surprised,” Rowe said, adding jokingly, “I might trade it in for some wins right now.”

He then turned more serious in receiving such an incredible honor from his peers. He said he had no idea who nominated him and how the vote came out, but he was humbled and honored to receive such an important accolade.

“Every kid is different, every team is different, and one of the things you're here to do as a head coach is to have these young men grow and develop into people of character,” Rowe said.

He said having several of his former players return to help coach and give back to the community has been a satisfying part of his career at Garaway.

Rowe is entering his 26th year as a head coach, having served in that role at Caldwell High School, Kenton High School, Marlington High School and Garaway High School. He has compiled a career record of 318-266.

His efforts both on the floor and off have caught the eye of his peers.

“Terry Rowe has dedicated more than two decades to positively impacting student-athletes across the state of Ohio,” said Adam Hall, public relations director for the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association. “His consistency, professionalism and commitment to doing things the right way truly embodies the values of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity that this award represents. The OHSBCA is proud to honor coach Rowe and the example he continues to set for players, coaches and communities.”

Rowe said building sportsmanship, ethics and integrity in his players and the program comes about organically as the season progresses. He said he and his staff promote these aspects daily, but it also has to do with one other important part of the community.

“I think it has a lot to do with families to,” Rowe said. “We have great families here at Garaway who have raised some solid kids who are willing to commit to the program and grow as people.”

He said he recognizes the uniqueness of the award and that somewhere along the line other coaches have seen these qualities in him, his coaching staffs and the teams.

“At some point people had to think about that as part of our program, and that is extremely humbling,” Rowe said. “I’m grateful to just even be nominated for this honor.”

On the girls side, Gregory has spent 18 years at Convoy Crestview including nine as the head coach, compiling a career record of 175-53.

“Coach Gregory exemplifies leadership that goes far beyond the court, consistently modeling respect, character and dedication for his athletes,” said Todd Boblitt, District 8 director. “His commitment to fostering a positive, team-first culture has made a lasting impact on the Crestview Knights program and the entire community. Congratulations, coach Gregory, on this well-deserved achievement.”

“Terry and Mark exemplify what this award stands for,” OHSBCA Executive Director Joe Balogh said. “Their leadership, integrity and positive influence make them incredibly deserving of this honor, and their school districts should be proud to celebrate their achievements.”