News Summary

Abilene High School basketball is excited to welcome Pat Martin to its coaching staff. With a Hall of Fame career and a legacy of success at Sacred Heart, Martin aims to elevate the Abilene program. He joins Head Coach Kyle Taylor and contributes to a new era of basketball in Abilene, as the team prepares for its upcoming season opener against Holton on December 2.

Exciting Changes at Abilene High School Basketball!

In the charming town of Abilene, the basketball scene is buzzing with enthusiasm after the announcement of Pat Martin joining the high school’s coaching staff. A name familiar to many in the community, Martin is back in the game after stepping away from coaching in 2018. His long and storied career spanned from 1999 to 2018, mainly at his alma mater, Sacred Heart.

A Winning Legacy

During his time at Sacred Heart, Martin built a Hall of Fame level coaching career, marked by incredible achievements. He transformed Sacred Heart into a powerhouse in Kansas basketball, leading the team to a thrilling State Championship victory in 2017. Before Martin took the reins, the Knights made it to the State tournament just once in 30 years. Under his leadership, however, they became a force to be reckoned with, making 8 State tournament appearances within just 11 seasons. The culmination of his efforts? A remarkable 203 wins against only 67 losses.

Martin’s final years as head coach were nothing short of legendary. In his last four seasons, he led the Knights to an impressive record of 92 wins and a mere 5 losses, establishing a staggering 40-game winning streak in the NCAA (North Central Activities Association). His teams didn’t just excel; they wrote history, securing 10 State Titles for the school, with the thrilling 2017 win being the first in 36 years. Those numbers certainly speak volumes about Martin’s passion for the sport and his ability to inspire young athletes.

A New Chapter Begins

Now, as Martin steps into his role with the Abilene High School basketball program, he joins a dynamic coaching staff led by Head Coach Kyle Taylor. Taylor’s first season was quite an accomplishment as he achieved a record of 16 wins and 7 losses, culminating in a trip to State. The coaching lineup also includes Taylor’s father, Terry, who boasts a whopping 400 varsity wins and a State Championship of his own. What an impressive legacy they bring!

Abilene’s basketball community may feel a slight transition with the absence of Tyler Bryson, who dedicated the last five seasons as an assistant coach, contributing to four successful trips to State. Bryson is now focusing his talents on the Abilene Middle School 8th-grade program alongside coach Erik Graefe. While that’s a big shift for the team, it opens the door for new energy and strategies moving forward.

Moving Forward

As Martin gets settled into his new position, he has already expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he has received from the Abilene community. His passion for coaching is contagious, and fans are hopeful that his return will bring the team new heights of success. With the winter sports season drawing near, it’s the perfect time for the Abilene basketball squad to rally together.

Mark your calendars, hoops fans! The Abilene High School basketball team is set to open the season on December 2 against Holton. The excitement is palpable as practices are set to kick off starting November 17. With Martin’s wealth of experience and a supportive coaching staff, fans can look forward to a thrilling season ahead. Let’s cheer them on and see how far this talented team can go!

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