As the clocked clicked down in Otterville on Monday, Steve Goodwin neared a plateau that few coaches get close to.
The Gremlins’ win over the Eagles was the 400th of Goodwin’s coaching career.
“I just think of all the great players and the kids that I’ve taught here and how special it is for my family and what a great place it is to work,” he said. “I’m blessed.”
His career began in Linn, where Goodwin spent two years and led the Wildcats to a 10-14 record his first year before going 19-13 in 1996-97 as Linn captured a sectional title and reached the Final Four.
After that success, Goodwin arrived at Sacred Heart. The Gremlins went 12-16 that first season. It was the last time Sacred Heart would have a losing record.
“They were always very proud of their basketball and they have had very good coaches before I came here,” he said. “The fan base was great. Sedalia, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”
Now in his 21st season as a coach including his time at Linn, Goodwin’s teams have captured 11 district titles, eight conference titles, eight sectional titles and in 2014 the ultimate title as Sacred Heart won the Class 2 state crown, going 31-0.
He said one things he loves about the job is seeing someone he has known since they started kindergarten take the floor as part of the Gremlins varsity team and come away with a district title, and seeing that player celebrate with his parents.
“There’s a lot of kids that don’t ever get to play for a district championship,” he said. “I had four coaches in four years in high school basketball. I never won one. I know how special it is to the parents. I know how special it is to the kids. Everyone who’s played here, I hope they feel part of it because I haven’t scored a basket. They’ve done all the work.”
Goodwin said he also could not have done it without the support of his wife and kids.