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Ohio Names Coaches for OVAC All-Star Game

Cambridge’s Kevin Gunn will lead Buckeye State squad July 23

CAMBRIDGE — As it pertains to the Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Football Game, the Cambridge football staff has ample experience.

No fewer than five members of Ohio’s 2016 coaching staff have some sort of past history with the annual game, which is slated for Saturday, July 23 at Wheeling Island Stadium.

Head coach Kevin Gunn is looking forward to coaching the Buckeye State all-stars during the 72nd annual game that pits Ohio against West Virginia.

“Our coaching staff is really looking forward to this opportunity,” Gunn said. “A few of the guys have experience in the all-star game and a few of the ones who haven’t are excited to be a part of it for the first time. We’re excited about the opportunity to spend some time with these kids and we’re salivating to get to camp to get started because of the talents and abilities these kids bring.”

Here’s a capsule look at the coaching staff:

Kevin Gunn, Cambridge — The Bobcats head coach completed his fourth season at the helm of his alma mater last fall.

The 1985 graduate earned his degree from Muskingum College in 1989. He’s been coaching football for 30 seasons. He owns a career record of 19-21.

Along with his football duties, Gunn has also been coaching track for the Bobcats.

Brandon Brown, Cambridge — This Bobcats assistant has been on Gunn’s staff for one season.

Brown graduated from Cambridge and then went to Lake Erie College before finishing a degree at Muskingum University. He was a standout football player for the Bobcats and played two years of college football.

Kyle Cox, Cambridge — This former Bobcat completed his second season of coaching football, both of which came under Gunn, in 2015.

Cox attended Cambridge where he played football, basketball and baseball. He went on to Mount Union where he was a member of the Purple Raiders’ 2012 Division III National Championship squad.

Along with his football duties, Cox also coaches junior varsity baseball and junior high basketball.

J.R. Fox, Cambridge — This veteran assistant has been a member of Gunn’s staff for three years. All told, he’s coached football for six years.

Fox graduated from Bluffton High School and then went to Muskingum College.

Along with football, Fox is also the Cambridge soccer coach and he’s been recognized by the OVAC and ECOL. He also serves as the boys’ track coach, winning Eastern District Coach of the Year twice. He led the Bobcats to the OVAC Class 5A title this past season.

J.R. and his wife, Tracy, have three sons — Greg, Eric and Adam. Adam is a member of the Ohio squad this season.

Riley Hayhurst, Cambridge — Just two years ago this former Bobcat was suiting up for the Ohio squad. Now, he’s a member of the coaching staff.

Hayhurst is preparing for his first season on Gunn’s staff. He was a standout player, earning All-Ohio and All-OVAC acclaim during his prep years.

Josh Lowery, Cambridge — This former Bobcats standout has spent the last seven years coaching at his alma mater.

Prior to returning to Cambridge, Lowery was an assistant coach at Shenandoah for one season.

After high school, Lowery earned his degree at Muskingum University.

Along with his football coaching duties, Lowery is also the head baseball coach at Cambridge and coached in the OVAC All-Star Game earlier this month.

Josh and his wife, Rachel, have one son, Javon.

Jake Tharp, Cambridge — This former Bobcat has spent the last three years working under Gunn.

Tharp owns a degree from Ohio State University.

Along with his football duties, Tharp also serves on the Bobcats track staff.

Jake and his wife, Alaina, have two sons — Jase and Jordy.

Tim Wilson, Cambridge — This former Shadyside Tiger is the most experienced coach on the Bobcats and Ohio staff.

Wilson has been coaching football for 24 years, including seven as head coach at Shenandoah. He’s been a member of the Bobcats staff for four years. He also had a coaching stint at Shadyside.

Wilson, who is an Ohio University graduate, also served on the Ohio OVAC staff during the 2004 summer.

Tim has a daughter, Camryn, and son, Case. Now married to wife, Amy, he also has two stepdaughters, Hannah and Maggie Woods.

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