A long-time assistant coach has won a first-time award.

For the first time in the history of the District 13 basketball coaches all-star selections, an Assistant Coach of the Year was selected. And the first recipient is veteran coach Paul Fugitt of Ironton High School.

Fugitt served as an assistant coach under former Ironton coach Phil Rice from 1979 until the 1998-99 season. He coached at the junior high, junior varsity and varsity assistant levels. He was an assistant coach under Buddy Bell from 1977-79.

"He could have been a head coach anywhere he wanted to be. He's played the game since he's been little, and he knows the game better than anyone," Rice said.

"Those years in the 1990s when we had all those good teams, he was a key figure. He'll do anything you want. He's dedicated, loyal, and he works hard. And he never missed a practice. He was like another head coach on the floor. I'd do things he saw fit to do. That's how much confidence I had in him."

As was expected, Fugitt tried to deflect the spotlight.

"I appreciate the coaches for thinking of me, but there are a lot of other coaches who are more deserving than I," Fugitt said.

Rice wasn't surprised with Fugitt's humble acceptance of the award.

"He's very deserving. He has all the qualities it takes to be a great coach. But knowing Paul, he'll be embarrassed to get this type of award," Rice said.

"He's a great teacher on the floor and has some fire about him. He's great with the kids, and he's greatly respected by the kids and the community. He's a great one."

Fugitt, who graduated from Ironton in 1967, starred for the Fighting Tigers basketball team and was named to the All-Central Ohio League team.

"Everyone growing up played in his backyard. Every good player we had in the 1960s learned the game at his house," Rice said.

Besides coaching basketball, Fugitt has been a football assistant coach since 1977.

"Paul never played the game (of football) in school, but he worked hard and learned the game. Now he's as knowledgeable about the game as anyone," Ironton football coach Bob Lutz said.