GALLIPOLIS - Bruce Wilson sank the game winner to give Gallia Academy coach Jim Osborne his first-ever coaching victory back in 1969. On Friday, Wilson, now principle of the school, gave Osborne something to remember his 500th.

Gallia Academy High School took a few minutes before tip off of a boys high school basketball game versus Portsmouth to honor the man that has served the community for 38 years as its basketball coach.

Osborne, who picked up career coaching win No. 500 last week, was honored by Wilson and other former players during a short ceremony prior to the Blue Devils' 64-47 Southeastern Ohio Athletic League victory.

Senior basketball player Jayme Haggerty presented his coach with the game ball from Friday's historic win over Rock Hill, and Wilson presented a plaque commemorating the 500 wins.

Afterward, current team members, as well as others who played under Osborne posed for a group picture with their hoops mentor.

The 61-year-old Osborne has spent his entire head coaching career at Gallia Academy and has never missed a game during his 38 years on the bench.

Osborne began his coaching career at Gallia Academy in 1969 - his first victory coming over Meigs 51-49 in the second game of the Osborne era. Over the 38 years that have followed, Osborne coached teams have won 501 games against only 308 losses for a .620 winning percentage.

Osborne has had 28 winning seasons and has been named Southeast District Coach of the Year on several occasions and the SEOAL top coach 14 times. His resume includes 12 SEOAL championships, 15 sectional titles and two district crowns.

Osborne is now one of just 25 Ohio coaches in the 500-win fraternity.