Ritchie Hired To Lead LCA?Boys Hoops



WINONA LAKE – Lakeland Christian Academy announced Thursday that boys basketball coach Chris Hohm is leaving the program to begin missionary work, and Jake Ritchie will take over the program. Cougar Athletic Director Tim Yocum made the announcement via press release.

Ritchie, a Sharpsville native, played basketball at Tri Central High School,  graduating in 2007. He went on to play at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield Ill. Ritchie served as a varsity assistant and junior varsity coach at LCA the last two years under Hohm.

“I have always envisioned myself being on the sidelines as a head coach and I am extremely thankful for the opportunity that Mr. Yocum and Chris gave me to join the staff as an assistant,” Ritchie said. “I feel like Lakeland Christian Academy was the perfect fit for me and my family. I am excited to continue the growth and leadership that Chris Hohm instilled in these kids and pick up right where we left off last season.

 “Jake has devoted a lot of time into developing individual player abilities and relationships while on our coaching staff and has a good rapport with the players.”

Hohm led the program for the past six seasons, compiling a 42-103 record, including a 1-22 mark in his first season and a high-water mark of 13-12 in the 2017-18 season. The winning record was clinched with the Cougars’ first-ever IHSAA sectional win, 63+40  over Smith Academy on Feb. 28, 2018.  LCA?drew a bye in this year’s tournament and won its first sectional semifinal game on March 6, a 49-43 win over Northfield.

“Chris and his family are in the process of building financial and prayer support to serve under the mission agency, TeachBeyond.  He hopes to be teaching in a Christian school in Tanzania, East Africa this fall” said Yocum.  “We are indebted to Chris’ leadership and the many solid foundations he built in our boys’ basketball program.  He will be missed.”

Hohm said, “I’m excited for Coach Ritchie to take over the program.  He has been a great part of the coaching staff and I know he is ready for this opportunity.  He has an excellent basketball mind and he will push the boys to reach their potential.  It will be fun to watch their success from afar and I’m excited for Coach Ritchie to lead the boys spiritually, mentally and physically.”

LCA looks to begin competition in a newly expanded Hoosier Plains Conference this fall in all sports.  Besides LCA, the HPC will consist of Argos, Bethany Christian School, Career Academy (South Bend), Elkhart Christian Academy, and Trinity School at Greenlawn (South Bend).