For the first time in three decades, Eugene Collins Jr. will not be on the sidelines as a coach when basketball season begins this year. The Shawnee State University graduate retired from his position as boys varsity basketball coach at Portsmouth High School at the end of the 2022-23 season. Over the previous 14 years as head coach of the team, he amassed a 201-130 record.
Collins launched his career at SSU as an assistant coach under Jim Arnzen, who was then the head coach of the men’s basketball team. He subsequently moved to Portsmouth High School, his alma mater, as the assistant coach for one year before advancing to the head coaching position. Collins completely revitalized the program, which had struggled for the decade prior to his tenure.
The team had just finished seven consecutive losing seasons, but Collins immediately turned the fortunes of the program around, going 12-7 in 2010. Collins went on to guide the Trojans to the Ohio High School State Tournament in 2011 and 2012. His team finished as Division III state runner-up in 2012.
As a dedicated community leader, coach and educator, Collins earned several distinctions throughout his career. In addition to being named coach of the year by the Ohio State Coaches Association, he was recognized with several coaching awards from his colleagues at the district, league and conference levels. He also received the Home Team Award from Shawnee State University in 2010.
In a career suffused with highlights, Collins has been most proud of the impact he has had on his students during times of difficulty. He attributed his professional success to the support he has received from his staff as well as the students for whom he has served.
Collins spends much of his time fundraising for the Portsmouth High School basketball program and volunteering at the local 14th Street Community Center and at juvenile justice court systems as a mentor. He has been a committee member for the Boys and Girls Club serving Portsmouth and the Scioto County area.
Collins, who has been inducted into the prestigious “Who’s Who in America,” collected his 200th win with a 68-54 victory over Mar Hills Academy on Jan. 18, 2021. Collins took four teams to the prestigious KSA Holiday Tournament in Orlando, compiling an 8-4 record and winning the title in 2011. He is also remembered as player for his game-winning buzzer beater that lifted the Trojans over Columbus East High School in 1983.
