Ontario coach Atkinson picks up milestone win in victory over Madison

In a thrilling 2-0 victory over their Richland County rival Madison, Ontario girls soccer coach Larry Atkinson capped off his 21st season with his 300th career win, marking a significant milestone in his coaching career. Atkinson, who prefers the traditional pen-and-paper method for tracking his coaching record, relies on his son Greg to maintain his Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, which provides real-time updates on goals, assists, saves, and wins and losses.

Despite his old-school approach, Atkinson's dedication to his players is evident, as he emphasizes the importance of helping young athletes deal with adversity, compete at their highest level, and enjoy the sport. The Warriors' triumph over Madison showcased their offensive prowess, as junior Kamryn Pelphrey scored the game-winning goal in the 11th minute of the first half, assisted by Ella Them.

Pelphrey, who has evolved into a more offensive threat, expressed her joy at contributing to this special moment. Coach Atkinson's focus remains on the growth and development of his players, rather than solely on the number of victories. He anticipates continuing to coach for many more years, as he enjoys the positive impact he has on his young athletes' lives.