The Riverside High School community is buzzing with anticipation as Mark Chicone, a veteran coach with a proven record of championship success, has been tapped to lead the girls basketball program. The appointment awaits final board approval, but the consensus among administrators and alumni is clear: Chicone’s arrival signals a strategic shift aimed at elevating the program’s competitive edge.
A Legacy of Success
Chicone’s coaching journey spans multiple high‑profile programs. At Villa Angela‑Joseph, he guided the Vikings to a 1999 state championship, and his stints at Mentor and Lake Catholic produced four Lake Erie League titles, four Division I district championships, a state final four appearance in 2012, and a regional runner‑up finish in 2014. Over a career that includes a 476‑148 record, he amassed a 267‑70 mark at VASJ, 105‑20 at Mentor, and 104‑58 at Lake Catholic, underscoring his ability to sustain winning cultures.
He will succeed Brian Fulton, who announced his resignation to devote more time to family. Fulton’s tenure saw the program compile a 66‑28 record over the past four seasons, laying a solid foundation for the next chapter. Chicone’s appointment is viewed as a natural progression, blending continuity with the infusion of fresh strategic vision.
Conference Realignment and New Rivalries
Riverside is slated to join the Greater Cleveland Conference for the 2026‑27 school year, a move that will pit the team against longtime rivals such as Mentor twice each season. The prospect of facing former mentor programs adds a compelling narrative layer to the schedule, promising heightened excitement for players, fans, and the broader community.