After leading the Olentangy Liberty hockey team to late-season success as interim coach, Jonathan Falbo has been named head coach, pending approval from the school board.
Falbo was named interim coach after head coach Kevin Alexander and two assistants were placed on paid administrative leave on Feb. 20 while the school district investigated. Mr Alexander resigned on February 28, and his assistants Darwin McClelland and Richard Smith also resigned.
Alexander led the Patriots for nearly seven seasons, leading them to a state title in 2023. This is the first championship for a Central Ohio hockey team.
“The players know what they are getting from a very gentle coach who wants them to be successful both on and off the ice,” Falbo said. “Mistakes happen in hockey. This is a sport. You're on the ice, you have skates on your feet, so you're going to make mistakes. We accept it and move on and get back on track as needed.” You have to be able to fix it.”
Falbo, 35, was offered the position Friday by athletic director Darrin Meeker.
“Darling called me (Friday) and explained his expectations for the program and the kids and what he wanted from me to make sure the program was going in the right direction and to support the kids as best I could. Falbo said.
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Under Falbo, who previously coached the junior varsity team, Liberty reached the regional finals, but lost 4-2 to St. Charles and finished with a record of 24-11-0-1.
“(Falbo) has been with the program for the past four years, so he’s a familiar presence,” Meeker said. “He’s very passionate about the game, but more than that, he’s passionate about developing players into young players.”
The school district initially declined to provide details of the allegations against Alexander, McClelland and Smith, but in announcing their resignations they said, “The former coaches used inappropriate language toward student-athletes, and the university's obligations to the university were violated.'' “We have received reports that he has acted in a manner contrary to the law.” role model. “
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Falbo, a dentist at the Lewis Center, has not yet chosen an assistant coach.
“All the boys reached out to me,” he said. “They are excited about the season and excited to get to work and see what they can do in Columbus and the state.”
fdirenna@dispatch.com
