Sullinger Family preps for big weekend, major dilemma

By Zac Jackson (FOXSportsOhio.com) — he reigning First Family of Ohio basketball has a dilemma on its hands this weekend.

The good kind of dilemma, but a dilemma nonetheless.

Jared Sullinger and the Ohio State Buckeyes play at approximately 9:45 Friday night in the NCAA regional semifinals in Newark, N.J. Back home in Columbus, Northland High School is set to play a Div. I state semifinal at Ohio State’s Value City Arena at 8:30.

James “Satch” Sullinger, Jared’s father, is Northland’s head coach. The Sullinger Family rarely misses an Ohio State game, and that’s part of the reason the circumstances are so unique this weekend. Satch Sullinger has announced his retirement from coaching at the end of this season after coaching basketball in some capacity since 1978. He’s won five straight Columbus City League titles as head coach at Northland, four with Jared on the team including a state title in 2009.

He also coached his middle son, Julian, at Northland, and his last team is led by highly-regarded University of Michigan recruit Trey Burke.

“He treats every player like his own son,” J.J. Sullinger, Satch’s oldest son and a former Ohio State captain. “He has the same rules and expectations for everybody. He pushes those guys like he pushed us and wants them to understand basketball can be a tool to change your whole life.

“He doesn’t love the timing Friday night, but he’s happy how it has all worked out. Now that he finally decided to give up coaching, he’s at peace with it. He’s enjoying the moment. He’s trying to go out on top.”

Making it a four-for-four weekend for the Sullinger Family would be nice, too, even if the whole group can’t be together.

“My wife (Barbara) will be in Columbus with me (Friday),” Satch said Monday. “My other boys might go to Newark. I’m sure they want to.”

They might want to, but J.J. said…..

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