West Liberty University Athletics

    An outstanding offensive lineman during his playing days on the hilltop, John Magistro made an indelible impression on countless student-athletes during more than four decades as an ultra-successful high school coach. The Bellaire, Ohio native posted more than 240 coaching wins in lengthy stints at Bellaire (Ohio) High School and Westerville (Ohio) Central High School, coaching several standouts who went on to make their marks at the collegiate and professional levels.
    Magistro led Bellaire High to a 181-76 record in 23 seasons at the helm, winning nine OVAC championships and six Ohio regional titles. His Big Reds reeled off three straight unbeaten seasons from 1995 to 1997 and played in two Ohio state championship games. Two years after Magistro took over a Westerville Central program coming off a winless season, the WarHawks earned an OHSAA playoff berth. Magistro went 61-37 in nine years at Westerville Central before stepping aside.
    The former Hilltopper was a 4-time Ohio Coach of the Year, a 3-time Ohio Valley Coach of the Year and, in the ultimate show of respect, was inducted into the Ohio Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame while still roaming the sidelines.