Coach Tony Howard Earns 100th Career Win

Tony Howard, head coach of the Lady Bulldogs, clinched his 100th career win with Milbank’s play-off victory over Redfield on Tuesday, February 24 ,in front of a packed house at the Milbank Armory.  Fans, friends, and family helped celebrate the milestone and Coach Howard’s own players were some of the most thrilled. “The girls were so excited after the game, and that just meant sooooo much to me,” Howard commented.  “It’s something I will never forget! No coach could ask for a better group of girls.” 

Howard is in his first year as the head coach for the Lady Bulldogs, but he has coached basketball for 22 years. According to his mother Merna, “Tony has loved coaching since he first got out of high school.”  Before taking over the head coaching position at Milbank, he spent five years leading the Lady Mustangs of  Summit. He also assisted  under Brian Pauli in Milbank. While shepherding Summit, Howard accumulated an 82-30 record.

Howard is well known for sticking to business, and it took a moment for his achievement to sink in. “Honestly, beating Redfield so we could move on in Regions was my top and only concern,” he said.  But he added that the timing turned out to be perfect.  “Our team this year is probably the closest  group I have ever coached.   During practices, games, bus rides, film sessions, or whatever, there are always smiles and laughter. So it meant a lot to me that my 100th win came with this group of girls and coaches. I am extremely lucky to be their head coach!”

On the court, however, hard work trumps luck every time. A little extra luck always comes in handy, though. Howard said, “Several years ago, my youngest daughter Nadia made me two maroon and gold bracelets.  I wear them to every practice and game.”  Some of the players have also created a routine that includes  an “individual handshake” with him. “So before each game we do ‘the handshake,’” he explained. 

Howard often fills in as a substitute teacher at the school, but he works full time with his dad Russ on their family farm near Milbank. He and his wife Dani have three other children – Cade, Jack, and Avigail. They all are Bulldog supporters and a huge part of his success.  Dani, who attends most of  his games, and is probably his biggest cheerleader, said, “The best part of being a coach’s wife is watching my husband live out his passion. I love watching him build such positive relationships with his players. I’ve always loved basketball, but I’m definitely better at watching it than playing it. Son Jack, however, enjoys both watching and playing. He is a 6’ 1’ senior starter on the varsity Bulldogs this season. Everyone in the Howard household seems to  live and breathe basketball for most of the winter. 

Even after the final buzzer, the game doesn’t stop. “This year, after most games we have had something to eat as a team,” Coach Howard said.” Pizza or a sub sandwich is usually our “go to”.”

After that, it’s an extra helping of … basketball.  “When I get home after a game, I always re-watch the game we played that night, and after watching that game, I move on to watch a game or two of the next team we will play. And, I’m not going to lie, I usually find my way to a bowl of ice cream or some chips. I’m pretty sure it drives my family nuts to hear chip bags being rattled around at midnight.” But it’s  a routine that gets results. As they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

So crank up the noise, Milbank. Give a “hoop and a holler” for 100 wins down, plenty of basketball still to come, and a coach who gets it done!