Father and son lead Okarche back to state tournament
OKARCHE — Aaron West still gives his dad a hard time about the last time he made it to the boys state basketball tournament.
West took Lomega to the Class B semifinals in 2012, the same year his dad, Ray West, last took Okarche to the Class A state tournament.
“He was off practicing with his guys while we played,” Aaron said. “He didn't even watch us play.”
That won't be the case this time around.
Father and son have joined forces as coaches to help get Okarche back to the Class A state tournament for the first time since 2012.
Aaron West joined his father the year after that semifinal run, hoping to get back to his hometown and help out his dad as his assistant coach.
The two split duties with the team. Ray coaches offense, while Aaron handles the defense.
Okarche has put together a 24-5 record and comes off a blowout win against fellow state tournament team Glencoe in the area playoffs.
“It's really been great for me,” Ray West said. “A lot of people say you can't coach your son or daughter, but I'm the opposite. I coached them both.
“I just always want my family around.”
Ray West's wish has been granted at Okarche. He even has taught his six grandchildren as the elementary gym teacher.
In his 25 years at school, Ray West has helped keep Okarche rolling as a top-notch, smallschool basketball program.
The Warriors, who are making their eighth appearance at the state tournament under West, play Kiowa at 2 p.m. Thursday at Mustang High School. Under West, Okarche has also made the area playoffs in 23 of 25 seasons.
“I'm living the dream,” Ray West said. “I've been coaching 45 years total and my time here at Okarche has been the best.”
Ray West says he'd like nothing better than to deliver Okarche its first boys basketball title since 1979.
A feat that is still discussed with regularity throughout the town.
“It's special to the people here,” he said. “The people of Okarche love their basketball, both boys and girls. Winning again would be great.”
Aaron West has seen a different desire in his dad since joining his staff.
Working with kids has become the part of the job he thinks his dad enjoys most.
“He would like to win that, but it's not an obsession or anything,” Aaron West said. ““He likes being around the kids, and he wants all those kids to be successful.
“If we happen to maybe win it along the way, then that's great, too.”