Gary Hull, who parted ways with Western Christian in 2024 after 38 years as the school's boys basketball coach and athletic director, has resurfaced at a different school.
Hull has been hired as the boys basketball coach and athletic director at Horizon Christian of Tualatin. He brings with him a record of 786-254 – No. 2 all-time in the state in wins behind Mike Doherty (850-390) – and four 2A championships.
Hull said that he and his wife, Brenda, who has joined him at Horizon Christian as assistant athletic secretary, are “very happy” with their new opportunity.
“It's nice to be wanted,” said Hull, who spent last season assisting his daughter, Madi, the girls coach at 1A Perrydale. “They're really excited to have us, and we're excited to be there.”
The job will be challenging. Hull not only is going up to 3A from 2A, where he won state titles in 2011, 2019, 2022 and 2024, but he will coach in the rugged Lewis & Clark League.
Last season, the league had state champion Westside Christian and semifinalists Valley Catholic and Oregon Episcopal. Horizon Christian went 0-12 in league play and 5-18 overall, ending the season on a 12-game losing streak.
“I know I'm walking into the best 3A league in the state,” Hull said. “We call it the gauntlet. But I'm excited. I didn't even hesitate. I love the challenge of getting this program rolling again.”
Horizon Christian was a state power under coach Dave Brown, who went 277-97 with three state titles (2010, 2011, 2013) in 13 seasons (2006-19). In the last six seasons under Craig Burgess, the Hawks went 26-95.
Burgess stepped down after last season. Horizon Christian president Stan Russell pursued Hull upon learning that he was no longer at Western Christian, which repeated as 2A champion last season under first-year coach Geoffrey Martin.
Horizon Christian reached an agreement with Hull about two months ago.
“I knew about Horizon Christian from when Dave Brown was there,” Hull said. “We had some great games. We battled them tough, never could beat them. They were very talented.”
The Hawks bring back one starter from last season in guard Andrew Roberts, who will be a senior this year. The team will be dominated by sophomores and freshmen.
Hull started at Horizon Christian in the spring by working with the youth players and overseeing an open gym for the high school players. He is coaching the Hawks in summer league games.
“I'm giving them about 35-plus games to really get their feet wet and try to turn this thing around,” Hull said. “It's really good to be back. I love teaching the game. The kids are really hungry to learn. We're just slowly getting better.”
Horizon Christian lost its first five summer league games but has won 10 of its last 11.
“I know it's summer league, but you've still got to win some,” Hull said. “You can only preach it for so long. It started with a couple of wins against Molalla and Colton, and it just keeps rolling. They're really excited because they haven't won that much.
“I don't care if you win or lose. What I do care about is giving a winning effort.”
Hull said he enjoyed his one season at Perrydale, where he also helped with the boys team. Ultimately, though, “I love being a head coach,” he said.
Hull, 69, is within 64 wins of tying Doherty for the state record. According to his agreement with the school, he said, he will coach at Horizon Christian and mentor a successor.
“I'm feeling like I'm 49 again,” Hull said. “Their goal was, if I could do a five-year deal, that would be great. Lord willing, we'll see. There could be a two- or three-year deal. I'd love to go all five, if it's still fun.”
Rothenberger passes
Craig Rothenberger, No. 3 among state coaches in career wins, has died. He passed away May 28 from pancreatic cancer. He was 77.
Rothenberger compiled a career record of 715-520 in 52 seasons at Tillamook Catholic (1969-73), Nestucca (1975-80) and Junction City (1980-2023). He went 615-429 in 43 seasons at Junction City, leading the Tigers to the 3A title in 1994 and state runner-up finishes in 2004 and 2022.
Rothenberger was named the NFHS national coach of the year in 2011-12 and the 3A athletic director of the year in 1996.
He retired as Junction City's athletic director last year. The basketball court at the school was named after him in a ceremony in December.
Rothenberger graduated from Nestucca, where he played on one of the first teams of legendary coach Barry Adams. He was an assistant coach under Adams at Lebanon.
A celebration of life ceremony is scheduled for June 28 at 1 p.m. at the school.
Rothenberger's son, Bart, has succeeded him as boys basketball coach and athletic director at Junction City. Bart coached Mohawk to four 1A titles between 2002 and 2008.
Coaching changes
Hull is among several new coaches to be named during the offseason.
Schools filling vacancies include Dallas (Alex King), Parkrose (Kendrick Williams), Springfield (Jeremy Young), Franklin (Conor Mullany), Grants Pass (Nate Olson), Roseburg (Brett Nixon), South Eugene (George Zaninovich) and Sprague (Tyler Lewis).
Coach openings include McKay, Aloha and Lincoln.
jerryu@osaa.org
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