April 15, 2026
A new era is tipping off at GlenOak High School, and it features a very familiar face on the sidelines. The Plain Local Schools Board of Education is set to officially name Ryan McGonagle as the next head coach of the Golden Eagles boys basketball program.
McGonagle returns to GlenOak to fill the vacancy left by Rick Hairston, who recently stepped down to lead the inaugural women’s flag football program at the University of Mount Union.
For McGonagle, this appointment is a homecoming. He previously served the Golden Eagles as a varsity assistant and head junior varsity coach, helping build the foundation of the program he now leads. He brings a wealth of head coaching experience from across Stark County, having most recently led the boys program at East Canton. Prior to his stint with the Hornets, McGonagle served as the head coach at Lake Center Christian from 2017 to 2020.
The hiring of McGonagle completes a season of significant leadership changes for GlenOak athletics. He joins Hannah Hooks, who was recently promoted to lead the girls basketball program, and Matt Dennison, who took over the football program earlier this year.
Golden Eagle fans can expect a coach who understands the tradition of GlenOak basketball and the competitive landscape of the Federal League. With his deep roots in the community and a proven track record of developing talent, McGonagle is tasked with keeping GlenOak at the forefront of Stark County hoops.
