Journal-News.com

HAMILTON — The view is different. The pressure is gone. But former Badin High School coach Terry Malone is still watching Rams football after all these years.

Malone, who retired as the winningest coach in Ohio history after the 2003 campaign, has a grandson in uniform (sophomore Andrew Kugler) and a son on the coaching staff (Steve Malone) for the current Rams, who are making their first playoff appearance in the Dave Wirth era.

Malone, 75, has seen almost every Badin game this season, missing the opener against Woodward. He will be in attendance Friday, Nov. 7, when the Rams face Kettering Alter in the Division IV, Region 16 semifinals at Welcome Stadium in Dayton.

"It's fun to watch them, to tell you the truth," Malone said. "It's fun to watch the different names that come up. They have so many kids where their brothers or their dads played. It's interesting to watch them."

He's been happy to keep a low profile since retiring. His life revolves around his family, which includes plenty of grandchildren.

Malone walks two miles every day and still lives in the Bishop Avenue home he's occupied for more than 50 years.

And then there's Badin football. After winning 360 games and one state title in 46 years, Malone has no regrets about stepping down.

"I don't miss it ... I was ready to quit," he said. "I got tired of making all those decisions during the game. I really got tired of studying tape. That got boring."

His opinions come from a different angle since he headed for the stands. Among those thoughts:

• On the 2008 Rams: "At the beginning of the season, I didn't think they could have a very good year because of the kids they lost. But as the season progressed, you could see improvement every game."

• On the passing explosion at Badin: "I still believe in the running game, but I have to say they have been successful. I don't know if this team would be that successful without being a passing team. Football has really changed since I've stopped coaching, but it always changes. It's never been static. That's the way it's going to be, and the athletes have kind of evolved with it. If you go back 15, 20 years, you wouldn't have the athletes able to run these types of offenses."

• On the Rams' last playoff meeting (a 38-14 loss) with Alter in 2002: "I remember we put in a couple new plays, and they paid off early. But we just couldn't stop (Doug) Penno. We couldn't stop their running game."

• On Friday's game: "The key, I think, is Badin's defense. Most people think in terms of their offense, but if the defense can stop Alter and give their offense time with the ball, I think Badin can beat them."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2194 or rcassano@coxohio.com.