Glaser steps down after two seasons as Talawanda boys basketball coach

Talawanda is searching for a boys basketball coach following the resignation of Eddie Glaser after two years in the position.

Glaser will continue to teach at the school, but gave up the coaching position to spend more time with his wife, Natalie, and 2-year-old daughter, Gabbi.

“Last year was not as difficult because she was so young. Now, she’s a toddler and it is more difficult,” Glaser said of his daughter. “I’ve always thought I do not want to be a divorced coach. That’s the time it takes to be a varsity coach—more of this, more of that. I’m not willing to give that. Family always has and always will come first for me.”

Having grown up in Talawanda and playing for the Braves, Glaser said basketball has always been in his life and deciding to leave was not an easy decision. The 2003 Talawanda grad coached in the program for 10 years.

“I thought long and hard about it. Telling the guys was emotional for me after all I had invested as a player and coach,” he said. “I want nothing but the best for the players and the program.”

The Braves improved to 9-14 overall and 5-7 in the Southwester Ohio Conference in Glaser’s first season from 2-21, 0-12. Last year Talawanda slipped to 3-20, 1-11 SWOC.

Athletic Director Wes Cole hopes to be able to submit a recommendation for a new coach to the board of education at its April 24 meeting.

“I was surprised (about the resignation). … I understand his reasons for resigning,” Cole said. “In two years, he has done a great job with our basketball program and a nice job of getting the youth select league going. We needed that in the district and did not have it before he took over.”

Glaser said the program has a bright future and he looks forward to being able to watch from the stands as a teacher and a fan.

“You cannot keep me out of the gym,” he said. “I gave it everything I had. I thought we built the program in the right way. I always said I wanted to leave the program in a better way than when I started. The select team was a huge accomplishment. The kids know what’s important about a basketball program.”

About the Author