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Whitewater's Gnatzig calls his final timeout

Whitewater High School boys' basketball coach Hugh Gnatzig has decided it's time to step away. Terry Mayer/staff.

WHITEWATER -- Hugh Gnatzig knows as well as anyone that time has a way of sneaking up on you -- and getting away from you.

After being associated with the Whitewater High School boys’ basketball program for 44 years, including his playing days, Gnatzig finished his run March 2 when his Whippets lost 63-45 to Pewaukee in a WIAA regional tournament opener.

“I knew it was time. I have no regrets, no second thoughts,” said Gnatzig, who completed 21 years as the varsity head coach with a 238-222 record. “I think I’m going to miss all of the coaches, the talks we have; we had a good rapport. I will miss the practices, the coaches.

“I will miss players on the other teams, too. Most of all, it’s about the game -- the coaches and kids. It’s a fun profession.”

Gnatzig, 58, was one of only two Whippets head coaches in the past 55 years. He succeeded Ken Nehring in 1989. Dan Gnatzig, Hugh’s son and the varsity assistant for the last four years, is likely a candidate for the head coaching position.

Things might have changed in the basketball world, but Gnatzig is happy with what he’s accomplished over the years. It started as a player, when, as a senior, he led the team to a 23-1 record and third place in the state open class with a school-record 46 points in his final game.

On Feb. 26, the night Whitewater hosted East Troy, Gnatzig’s wife, Susan, and his daughter, Gina, held a surprise party for him at the American Legion post after the game. Some 72 former players were there.

Read the full story in the March 14, 2010 e-edition of Walworth County Sunday, HERE.