Kent O’Laughlin Says Many Factors Fueled Return to South Shelby

South Shelby named Kent O’Laughlin its head boys basketball coach last month. O’Laughlin explains his return to the sidelines after he announced his retirement in 2016.

The five-time KRES Coach of the Year last served as Marceline’s athletic director, football coach, and boys and girls basketball coach. The South Shelby job offers O’Laughlin another chance to lead his alma mater.

O’Laughlin coached at South Shelby for 11 years before his departure during the 2006-07 girls basketball season. The South Shelby graduate guided the boys program for two years. O’Laughlin evaluates the upcoming talent.

O’Laughlin discusses potential changes to his coaching style ahead of his first head job since 2016.

During O’Laughlin’s retirement, his son Aaron coached Westran football to the 2018 state semifinals, and his son Luke led South Shelby girls basketball to a runner-up finish this year. Both Aaron and Luke won KRES Coach of the Year those seasons. O’Laughlin reflects on his children’s success.

O’Laughlin replaces Dalton Armontrout, who resigned after two years as South Shelby’s boys basketball coach. O’Laughlin’s South Shelby football team captured the 2006 state championship.