“This time it’s for good.” Those are the words of Kent O’Laughlin, who retired previously, but came back to lead the South Shelby boys basketball program the last three years. His first year back he led the Cardinals to a district championship in 2023. Here is our interview with Coach O:
O’Laughlin boasts nearly 30 years of experience at six area schools, including his alma mater South Shelby. O’Laughlin served as Marceline’s athletic director, football coach, and boys and girls basketball coach. Before stints at Mexico, Palmyra, and Marceline, O’Laughlin guided South Shelby programs for 11 years. The Cardinals claimed the 2006 football state championship in O’Laughlin’s last year in the district. O’Laughlin owns 278 girls basketball wins in 14 years and 164 boys victories over ten seasons. O’Laughlin’s Marceline girls secured fourth place in 2013. Kent O’Laughlin’s son Luke coaches South Shelby girls basketball. His older son Aaron was Westran’s athletic director and head football coach, before becoming Marion County Principal.
