Milan Basketball Gets New Head Coach

Wednesday, May 18th, 2022 10:12am

Matt Pickerill replaces Randy Combs.

(Milan, Ind.) - Another Ohio River Valley Conference basketball team will have a new head coach when the 2022-23 season begins.

On Tuesday, the Milan Athletic Department announced the hiring of Matt Pickerill as the new boys varsity basketball head coach. Pickerill replaces longtime head coach Randy Combs, who coached 18 seasons at Milan over two stints on the sideline.

The announcement comes just a day after South Ripley hired a new boys varsity basketball head coach.

Pickerill is a Pekin, Indiana native. He played and later coached at Eastern (Pekin) from 2013-2021. Last year, Pickerill completed his first season as a head coach at South Putnam.

"Definitely excited to accept the job and be a part of Milan," said Coach Pickerill. "I'm just really excited about getting started and just ready for the opportunity and the challenges that are going to be there."

Milan, of course, has a rich basketball history that centers around the 1954 State Championship.

"To be a part of that is huge," said Coach Pickerill. "People all over the country and all over the world know that story. Just to be a part of that history and that community now is something I'm really excited about. A big part for us is, the kids that are there now, it's important for them to know the history of it but also, we want to start a new history there ourselves. Make sure we're not just looking at the past but also looking at what we are building here and what are goals are and what we want to accomplish."

In terms of playing style, Pickerill says defense and playing faster on offense will be big points of emphasis when summer workouts start.

He inherits a Milan team that went 2-19 a season ago.

Events

Pioneer Day BBQ
Free food and games! Come celebrate Pioneer Day on Saturday, July 24th at 11:00am with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; 6168 Martha Dr N, Aurora, IN 47001. Free food will include hot dogs, hamburgers, sides and drinks. Free games include a kickball game, sack races, rock throwing competition, badminton, and kubb. Bring a friend and have some fun!
2nd Jul at The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints
Hillforest House Museum
Overlooking the Ohio River in Aurora, the beautiful Hillforest Victorian House Museum was built in 1855 for industrialist Thomas Graff. Its unique shape is said to be inspired by steamboats of the 19th century. The site has been operating as a historic house museum since 1956 and is one of 11 National Historic Landmarks in southern Indiana. Hillforest opens for tours today and hosts many special events throughout the season. Overlooking the Ohio River in Aurora, the beautiful Hillforest Victorian House Museum was built in 1855 for industrialist Thomas Graff. Its unique shape is said to be inspired by steamboats of the 19th century. The site has been operating as a historic house museum since 1956 and is one of 11 National Historic Landmarks in southern Indiana. Hillforest open NOW…Tuesday - Friday, 11 AM - 3 PM (last tour begins at 2:15 PM) and Saturday and Sunday, 1 - 5 PM (last tour begins at 4:15 PM). (Closed major holidays). Available for special events and teas!
2nd Jul at Hillforest Victorian House Museum
Bloomin' Patch Days
One Daylily at a Time is having Bloomin' Patch Days on July 2 & July 9 from 8 a.m. to Noon. Come walk the garden and enjoy the daylilies at peak bloom. Select the daylilies you would like to purchase and we will dig while you wait. Prices range from $5 and go up. We are looking forward to having fun with new and old friends! Visit the website for directions!
2nd Jul at One Daylily at a Time