Muncie Central AD to do double-duty as boys basketball coach

Muncie, Ind. – Jeff Holloway returned to Muncie Central in 2021 to become athletic director and oversee all the school’s sports programs. The 1994 Central graduate will now also be the boys basketball coach in addition to his full-time job as school A.D.

School officials believe having Holloway in a dual role is the best way forward following the resignation of Justin Ullom last month. This will be Holloway’s second stint as the Bearcats’ head coach. He also led the program from 2014 to 2017, earning two sectional championship appearances during that time.

“Jeff is a Bearcat through-and-through,” Muncie Central Principal Chris Walker said. “He’s made a tremendous impact on all our programs as athletic director, and he knows how to win basketball games. More importantly, he’ll lead our team with integrity and develop our players to be great athletes and even better members of the community.”

In fact, he’s already doing that. He brought several players over to West View Elementary last week during Central’s Civics Day activities. The players taught the younger kids basketball skills while Holloway showed them how to embrace being role models.

“It’s fun being around these young people and helping them become the best people they can be,” Holloway said. “I thought my whistle was put up for good, but I have plenty left in the tank, and we’re going to get after it on the court. I can’t wait!”

Prior to his return to Muncie in ‘21, Holloway spent four years as head coach at Avon High School, rebuilding the Orioles’ program to capture a 4A Sectional championship in 2019, the school’s first in 17 years. He also spent six seasons as head basketball coach and athletic director at Union High, where he turned around a slumping program to lead the team to two sectional titles.

During his senior year at Central in 1993-94, Holloway helped the Bearcats go 24-2, which earned him a scholarship to Arkansas State University. That propelled him to a professional career overseas where he played for several teams. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Arkansas State and holds a Master’s degree in Sport Administration from Ball State.

Holloway’s new job as basketball coach officially begins following the district’s next school board meeting May 13. Central Physical Education teacher and soccer coach Shea Hill will shift his schedule to assist with some responsibilities for the athletic department.

Andy Klotz, MCS Communications