Ostmeyer moves on after six years at MHS
Marion High School head basketball and golf coach Rex Ostmeyer is moving on after six years at the school.
Below, Ostmeyer talks about his time in Marion and his decision to move on.
Marion County Record: What was the main factor for you to choose Marion six years ago?
Ostmeyer: "I had been an assistant coach for seven years at that point, and I just really felt it was time for me to become a head coach.
"I really wanted that challenge, and fortunately [former USD 408 superintendent Gerry] Henderson, [former MHS principal Ken] Arnhold, and [MHS activities director Tod] Gordon gave me a chance.
"It was the right time for me and my family. Our oldest daughter was two at the time, and Marion is a great place. It worked out really well.
"When I got here, the senior and junior classes were outstanding — some really great kids, students and athletes alike.
"It was just a great situation for my first head coaching opportunity."
Marion County Record: What was the main factor in your decision to move on?
Ostmeyer: "The primary reason is family oriented.
"My wife (Paula) commutes to Wichita to work, and with gas prices, two young daughters, etc., Paula and I just decided to make the move.
"It was a difficult decision, especially from a coaching standpoint. I am leaving behind some very good basketball players and golfers, and I will miss them.
"I will miss working with them on a daily basis. The young people in this school are a lot of fun to teach and coach."
Marion County Record: What will you be doing next year?
Ostmeyer: "Next year I will be teaching at Haysville West Middle School — a brand new school that will open this fall.
"I was in the Haysville district before I came to Marion, and the administrators there are very close friends of mine.
"Hopefully it will all work out well for me and my family."
Marion County Record: What has been your best memory of coaching and teaching at MHS?
Ostmeyer: "Since I decided to leave Marion I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the last six years, and the thing I will remember the most are the kids.
"I remember my first year, we started 0-4 in basketball and I am thinking I may be run out of town before Christmas, but that was a special group of kids.
"We finished the regular season with seven straight wins, and advanced in sub-state — that was great.
"I will remember the special group I had my second year. We lost one of our starters, Calvin Riggs, in a car accident.
"The kids on that team were so special, the rest of the season I will never forget.
"I will remember entering the Mid-Central Activities Association, a whole different level of league, but again, the kids, I had some unbelievable kids — whether is was basketball, golf, or cross country."
Marion County Record: As head basketball coach, what game sticks out in your mind the most?
Ostmeyer: "Man that is tough.
"Obviously the first thought is our first win over Hillsboro in 2007 on Travis Hett's tip-in when the students rushed the floor.
"That was incredible. Just the atmosphere in our gym was unbelievable, but there are many others as well.
"One game I think about a lot was my second year, a week after Riggs died.
"We played Wichita Independent at home. We were down three with five seconds left and Tyler Stubenhofer dribbled the length of the floor and hits a three to force overtime.
"We outscored them 3-2 in OT on a three-pointer from our post player Tyler Smith. That game was very special because of the circumstances.
"I remember beating St. John in 2006 when they eventually won the state title. I remember that game because Jason Hett gave the most unbelievable defensive performance of any player I have ever coached. That was fun to watch from the bench.
Marion County Record: What are your future coaching plans?
Ostmeyer: "At this point I am thinking I might take a year off. "I have coached for 13 straight years, and 11 of those 13 have included two or three sports.
"I might sit back for a year and see if I want to get back into it, or see what else might be out there.
"I am just going to rest this summer and see what happens. I have some options, but I will see what happens in the future."
Marion County Record: Will you come back to see a game in the new gym?
Ostmeyer: "Funny thing is, Mr. Gordon just told me if I came back I could get in free, so that was really nice of him and I appreciated that.
"But I can say if I come back it will be to watch the kids, not where they are playing.
"I am really going to miss Mitchell Leppke, Luke Gordon, Elliot Hett, Isaac [Hett], Eric [Vogel] and all of the other young guys that are coming up.
"They are going to be really good and I want to see how they continue to develop."
Marion County Record: What will you miss the most about Marion?
Ostmeyer: "I have probably mentioned this enough, but obviously it will be the kids — both students and athletes.
"That is one thing about a small town. You don't only have the kids in class or on your team, but they sack your groceries, help you at the hardware store, whatever. You really get a great relationship with them.
"The other thing I will really miss is the atmosphere at Marion basketball games. Our fans are unbelievable, and our games were so much fun. I will really miss that."
