Kwasniak inducted into Ohio Veterans Hall

Former VASJ coach is Civilian Aide of the Secretary of the Army

It’s safe to say Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11 will hold an extraspecial significance for former VASJ boys basketball coach Babe Kwasniak.

That’s because last week on Nov. 5, Kwasniak received quite an honor from Gov. Mike DeWine when he was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.

The virtual ceremony featured DeWine, Ohio Department of Veteran Services Director Deborah Ashenhurst and Ohio National Guard TAG Major General John Harris.

Kwasniak was one of 20 inductees, and, with the others, joined the likes of Ohio Veterans icons such as Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, Ulysses S. Grant, Paul Newman, Paul Brown, Woody Hayes and others.

“I’m not sure I’m worthy of this honor but I am surely humbled,” said Kwasniak, whose 10-year coaching career at VASJ ended Feb. 26. “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine being in the Ohio Vets Hall of Fame. To see my name next to Ulysses S. Grant, John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Woody Hayes amongst others is so humbling.”

The 44-year-old Kwasniak is a graduate of West Point, and has been a longtime advocate for veterans tackling challenges such as post-traumatic stress, transition difficulties and suicidal ideations.

In 2019, he was named a Civilian Aide of the Secretary of the Army in 2019, and with the appointment became the youngest ever in that position.

No matter what Kwasniak does, he’s known for carrying plenty of passion. As the boys basketball coach at VASJ, that passion parlayed to a run few area coaches can match. In 10 seasons, he was 183-76, won three state championships, guided five teams to the state title game, and won seven straight district titles from 2013 to 2019.

Kwasniak is also in a select group of individuals

who won state championships at the same school as a player and coach.

He wished he could have coached “at Joes for the rest of my life,” Kwasniak said, but pointed out the fact he’s no longer coaching at his alma mater is “God’s way of telling me what my calling is — to help veterans in any way possible.”

Still, Kwasniak has not closed the book on a possible return to the sidelines. When or if that happens again remains to be seen.

“Maybe I will coach again, maybe I won’t,” said Kwasniak. “I do know America’s soldiers will always have my heart, and that includes seven of my former players who decided to serve our great nation.”

SUBMITTED Former VASJ basketball coach Babe Kwasniak, right, was appointed as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army by acting Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy.