Jim Pugh runs the clock. Photos courtesy Nicholas StudiosBellbrook’s Jim Pugh is the very model of dedication, professionalism and school spirit. Pugh reached a milestone very few in the state have a few weeks ago, completing his 1,000th game as scorekeeper for the Bellbrook High School girls basketball team on Jan. 6, 2024.
“He is one of Bellbrook’s biggest supporters and none bigger than Bellbrook Girls Basketball,” girls basketball coach Jason Tincher said. “In my 20 years as head coach, he has always been willing to do anything for the program. He absolutely loves this school and its sports teams.”
Pugh graduated from Bellbrook High School in 1979. He started keeping the book at games shortly after graduation, working alongside his father, Bob, until he retired in 2018. Combined, they are well over 1,800 games girls basketball games.
Pugh said he knew the number was coming up this year because when he started, his father kept track of how many games he had kept score during. So Jim followed suit.
“Jim has been our scorekeeper (girls basketball) and scoreboard operator (volleyball, football, boys basketball and lacrosse) for over 40 years,” Athletic Director Charlie O’Dell said. “His ability to attend each game is unmatched. Our athletic department and community are fortunate to have Jim and his service!”Pugh said he and his father knew this was something they wanted to do with their lives. He points to the Final Four games in 1976, 2012 and 2018 as the games that stick out in his memory.
“What he has done and continues to do for our sports teams is just incredible,” Tincher said. “Jim embodies every single quality of what it means to serve others and to be one of the most pleasant individuals to be around. I’ve known Jim since the days when I played here at Bellbrook. I cannot think of anyone more deserving to be recognized for his lifetime of volunteering at BHS.”
Pugh said he doesn’t have a goal in mind of how long he will continue working the games but said, “as long it’s fun, I’ll still do it. And it’s still fun.”
“It sure is cool that Tincher got to know Jim when he was a player and then grew that relationship when he started coaching at Bellbrook, first with the boys and now with the girls program,” Boys basketball coach Donnie Tate said. “It's absolutely special. Schools need people like Jim Pugh, an absolute asset to the programs, school, and community.”