Basketball program mourns former athletic coach Mike Bordner – Ohio State Buckeyes

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio State Men’s basketball program mourns longtime athletic coach Mike Bordner, who died after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bordner spent 33 years (1967-2000) as a full-time athletic coach at Ohio State, where he worked in soccer, baseball, and mostly the men’s basketball program. He retired in 2000 after caring for the men’s basketball students for 28 years. He was the protégé of Ernest R. Biggs, who served as the first athletic trainer at Ohio State.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Bordner worked for five men’s basketball coaches – Fred Taylor, Eldon Miller, Gary Williams, Randy Ayers, and Jim O’Brien.

Bordner graduated from Grandview High School and Ohio State with degrees in education in 1969, served as the athletic coach for the US basketball team that competed in the 1979 World Cup Games, and also served as the senior athletic coach for the Big Ten All-Star team who toured Japan in 1995. In 2000, he received an Honorary Award in the Varsity O Hall of Fame. In addition to his track and field work at Ohio State, Bordner has taught and mentored countless athletic coaches and athletic training students entering the profession.

Mike leaves behind his wife Gale, son Scott Bordner (Jane) and their children Brendan, Cameron, Ashton and Damon; his daughter Alison Elsner and their children Zevin and Tristan.

The family will have a private ceremony at a later date. Instead of flowers, they ask for a donation on his behalf to Kobacker House in Columbus or the Ohio State University Athletic Training Support Fund (Checks can be made to Ohio State University, Fund # 317404 on the Memo Line, Fawcett Center, 2400 Olentangy River Road 43210)

“This news cuts deeply. Bords was an important part of our team’s success on and off the pitch. My prayers go out to him and his family. “- Jim Jackson (1990-92)

“Mike (Bords),

Thank you for the perfect and professional care you have given to me and the hundreds of other Buckeye ballers, athletes, and staff over the decades. Consistent, loyal, funny (in a calm and smart way) and a recognition for your family and your job and a gift to us Buckeyes.

I believe you tracked down my dislocated tooth ’81 and gave it a chance to be saved for a while. Other than that and a hamstring infection, I can’t remember needing a lot of care, but I do remember you were always there for us. Calm, fair, firm, laughs and smiles sometimes and gets the job done. Thanks very much.

I am saddened by the cruel way cancer has entered this stage of life for you and your family, and I pray for God’s peace, comfort and strength for you all in this time of transition.

May the Lord God bless and protect you and shine his light on you and be gracious to you and turn his face to you and give you peace. ” Clark Kellogg (1980-82)

“I think I am speaking for a lot of athletes when I say that the team’s athletic coach is one of the most important occupation positions in the entire sport. When athletes are injured, it can be a vulnerable time as a player, especially mentally. Personally, I would like to sincerely thank Mike Bordner for the four years of care and trust in me as a player and most of all for the relationship we have built and fostered after my OSU days. Love you Bords. “- Ron Stokes (1982-85)

“Bords was really heaven sent. Not only was he a great sports coach, but he was also a great person. As a basketball player at Ohio State, I felt so protected and cared for by him every day. Every time I came to practice or prepared for a game, I always knew that I was in good hands. He has helped many players get through their difficult times. I think the world is from him and I am really blessed to have boards in my life. “- Jason Singleton (1996-99)

“Mike Bordner carried on the extraordinary legacy of Ernie Biggs who established Ohio State Athletic Training as the premier support unit for Ohio State undergraduate athletes. Bords has been my mentor, along with so many others who have supported student-athletes at all levels in the United States. Ohio State and the professional athlete direct their thoughts and prayers to Mike and his family. ”- Doug Callland, Ohio State Associate AD – Athletic Achievement

“I speak for the hundreds of athletic training students who learned the science of sports medicine from Mike Bordner, but more importantly, we learned the art of sports medicine from him. It was the honor of a lifetime to follow in his footsteps as the men’s basketball athlete coach at Ohio State. His legacy lives on through the student athletes, coaches and athletic coaches he influenced during his career at OSU. ”- Vince O’Brien, Ohio State Athletic Trainer (1993-2017)

“When he arrived in Ohio St. as part of a new hire while moving a wife and very young daughters, Mike knew that coaching a team was a family affair. It has always expanded well beyond the classroom. Deana and I will always appreciate his care off the pitch. ”- Rick Boyages, Big Ten Associate Commissioner for Men’s Basketball and Former Ohio State Assistant Coach

“Bords, like so many others who have supported Buckeye student athletes, represents the best of OSU. I’ve been fortunate enough to get back in touch with him over the past few weeks and it’s evident that he loves his wife, family, the state of Ohio and all of the former players individually. I felt that as a player, and I feel that even more now. “- Kwadjo steel (1997-00)

“I will never forget the conversation with Mike Bordner in the training room before the last game in the history of the St. John Arena. As he calmed my nerves, I couldn’t help but think about the huge role he has played in the history of the arena, always going well beyond his responsibilities as our team coach. He listened, he advised, he encouraged. Most of all, he first cared for all of us as human beings. He embodied what makes being part of the Ohio State University basketball family so special. ”- Eric Hanna (1995, 1997-98)

“Mike” Bords “Bordner has always been the epitome of a team player for me. He often served as a very honest and caring adult and leader to turn to as a young student-athlete. My life is better because of boards! “- Shamar Herron (1998-99)

“Mike was the same caring, hard working guy from the day I met him until the day I left Ohio State. His character was consistent and you really knew he loved the players, colleagues and his job. Mike treated us all like family and it’s an honor to call him a friend. Thank you Mike for sharing countless memories from Ohio State University. “OH – Ken Johnson (1998-01)

“Mike, thank you for taking care of all the aches and pains while I was playing for the Buckeyes. You always listened to the players, even when the day wasn’t going well or you weren’t feeling well. We will miss you man RIP my friend. “Horse chestnut for life – Derick Polk (1982-83)

“Bords was one of those old school coaches who gave us toughness. There was a difference between feeling sorry for yourself and actually hurting yourself. He tried to protect us all and was in the foxhole every day fighting! I think beating Minnesota for the 2000 Big Ten championship in the barn was a little more special. It was his last year and he never forgot the 1972 fight. He was so loyal and loved his boys so much! “- Devon Smith (1999-00)