Heinz-sight: Who is Ken Macklin?

Google "Ken Macklin," El Dorado High's varsity basketball boys head coach, and wait just a 16th of a second to get 1,680,000 results.

Scroll down and you'll find a Ken Macklin on the faculty of the Department of Poultry Science at Auburn University, Ken Macklin the comic book artist and illustrator, Ken Macklin the Kern County grape grower, Ken Macklin the Pennsylvania shipbuilder and others depending on how far you go.

None are the Cougars' coach.

Eventually after scrolling through nine pages, there's a MaxPreps reference to Macklin and El Dorado. Modify the search and add "El Dorado" and it's clear he's the team's coach.

But who is Ken Macklin?

Early in December El Dorado made a head-coaching change when the Cougars were in the midst of a tournament at Del Oro. El Dorado had two losses at the time but the team hasn't lost a game since Macklin took over.

Currently the Cougars are 26-2 with 20 consecutive victories and are preparing to host Sonora Wednesday in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III playoffs.

When a switch is made at the top it's rare that a team responds with so much success. But under Macklin's touch the team has jelled as players slid comfortably into their roles.

After back-to-back-to-back three-point victories to open the Sierra Valley Conference schedule and later a tight, two-point comeback win at River City, El Dorado rolled to the league title with a 12-0 mark.

Where did Ken Macklin come from?

Undoutedly from an athletic background but more to the point, he walked out of the stands down to the Cougars' sideline.

Ken, his wife Nicola and son Kenny Jr. are a constant presence at El Dorado sporting events, particularly those involving daughters Mikaela and Courtney. Mikaela, last year's Athlete of the Year, now swims on scholarship at San Diego State.

Courtney is a multi-sport performer currently gearing up for the Lady Cougars' postseason run; and Ken Jr. is an up and coming Cougar who is always shooting hoops after Cougar games, much like a young Bryce Scott did when his dad Steve was coaching Oak Ridge to the state title.

Other than when Courtney needs stitches and crutches, Macklin's coaching style is easy going, good-natured and mild-mannered, although he claims he's pretty nervous during games. His calm demeanor and presence court-side is mirrored by the Cougars on the floor.

He also has karma. Macklin is always he's full of respect and praise for his players, opposing players, their coaches and their fans — both at home and on the road.

So who is Ken Macklin?

He's the right person at the right time for El Dorado boys basketball.