Drew Meister was hired last spring to guide a Cavs team which finished 2011-12 with a 16-8 mark.
Meister was faced with a team without the luxury of a big man following the 
graduation of Chillicothe’s all-time shot blocker MaLik London who’s now starring for the Grizzlies at Missouri State West Plains. The Cavs’ biggest body is senior Tim Beard at 6’ 3”. Returning to the floor is Zach Johnson, who’s beginning his fourth season in the Cavs lineup. Guard Adam Bixler will also be vital to the Cavs attack.
“This is a fun group to be around… they have a real fun way about them” says Meister. “I think that’s a great rapport to have especially early on with all the apprehension and uncertainty” with adapting to a new coach behind the whistle.
The night he was hired, Meister said he hoped to build upon the tradition and success built during the years under Coach Gary Kellough who retired after his Cavs were bounced from the Sweet 16 by St. Clairsville.
Coach Meister who enjoyed a good deal of success in five years of coaching Newark Catholic (74-47) hopes to instill work ethic and defensive discipline with the talent the Cavs will put on the court.
“We have a lot of natural instincts, but I think that we’ve got to supplement that with strong fundamentals”. Meister says most of the pre-season has been focused mostly on making sure the Cavaliers defensive-minded first and the offense will follow.
“Our roster is dotted with a lot of versatile guys, I call them ‘hybrids’, guys who can play many positions. A lot of times you don’t have to draw up a play for them to find their scoring opportunities” says Meister, adding those opportunities have been coming via their defensive play.
Chillicothe opens the season in the Grove City Classic on November 30th against the host Grove City Greyhounds. The Cavs will return to Grove City the following night to play either Westland or Brunswick. Meister’s team will also be making a road trip to New Philadelphia in late December to play in the Quaker Invitational. Chillicothe will face Millersburg West Holmes on December 28th and either Sugarcreek Garaway or New Philadelphia on the 29th. The Cavs’ home opener is with Amanda Clearcreek on December 6th and they’ll open their final season of play in the Southeast Ohio Athletic League on December 7th at Hatton Memorial Gymnasium with Logan.
To hear more of Dan Ramey’s interview with Coach Meister, click on the link:
