NORTH MANCHESTER – Mark Underwood has been named the varsity boys basketball coach at Manchester High School according to Jeremy Markham, Manchester athletic director. Underwood will be officially approved at the June 14 Manchester school board meeting.

Underwood is a familiar name to basketball fans in this area from having been the varsity girls basketball coach at Manchester from 2001-13. During Underwood’s tenure, his teams won three sectionals, were regional finalists in 2007, won the Three Rivers Conference championship four times and the Wabash County Tourney twice.

In addition to the varsity girls teams, Underwood coached the Manchester freshmen boys for five years and served as athletic director for three years from 1992-95. Other coaching stints include varsity boys basketball coach at Borden High School and junior varsity boys basketball coach at East Noble and Southwood High Schools. Underwood’s overall twenty-four year coaching record is 282-212 for a .571 winning average.

Underwood was introduced to the basketball team Tuesday morning at a special meeting before school. Coach Underwood stated that he is “looking forward to a new chapter of basketball at Manchester.” As a former successful player along with his brothers at their alma mater, Underwood brings a tradition of excellence to the Squire basketball program.

Markham said, “Coach Underwood brings proven experience to our boys basketball program. We know he is a tough competitor and great leader and mentor to our student athletes. We look forward to continued winning success in our boys basketball program.”

Underwood currently teaches 8th grade science and Integrated Chemistry-Physics at Manchester. He and his wife, Rolissa, live on a family farm near North Manchester and have four children, Neil, Katie (Aaron) Snover, Mandy and Austin.

Underwood replaces Eric Thompson on the sidelines, as Thompson will take over the Peru boys basketball job. Thompson was 47-46 in six season with Manchester.