Noted basketball coach of Cuba City, a legendary figure, passes away at 84; the basketball community reminisces about his lasting impact and remembrance.
Tribute to Legendary Coach Jerry Petitgoue
Small-town Cuba City, Wisconsin is mourning the loss of its legendary high school basketball coach, Jerry Petitgoue, who passed away at the ripe age of 84, announced by his son on social media.
Over six decades, Petitgoue coached the boys basketball team at Cuba City High School, culminating his incredible coaching career as the most victorious high school basketball coach in Wisconsin history. Tanner Schieve, current head coach, expressed the lasting impact of Petitgoue's mentorship.
"He was always there, supporting me, guiding me through the tough times," said Schieve. "Jerry Petitgoue always had Cuba City's back." Indeed, his influence lives on as Schieve continues the beloved tradition.
Petitgoue led the boy's basketball program in Cuba City starting in 1971, amassing over 1,000 wins, three state championships, and a remarkable 51-season career with the Cubans. Former player Brady Olsen fondly recalls Petitgoue's unstoppable drive to improve himself and his players, even into his 80s.
Former coach Petitgoue's accomplishments did not go unnoticed. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003, named the Wisconsin Coach of the Year in 2020, and named National Coach of the Year during the 2019-20 season. In 2023, the Wisconsin State Assembly honored him with the Hometown Hero award.
Travis Wilson, from the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association, praised Petitgoue's unwavering advocacy for high school basketball and sports. He expressed gratitude to Petitgoue's wife and sons, recognizing their constant support.
Cuba City bids farewell to a true hero of basketball, whose impact on the game, his students, and his community will never be forgotten.
Want to stay updated? Download our our website15 News or our website15 First Alert weather app today!
Copyright 2025 our website. All rights reserved.
Fun Facts:- Jerry Petitgoue tallied 1,027 wins and 249 losses over his coaching career[2][1][3].- He coached at Cuba City High School for 52 years until his retirement[2].- Petitgoue led the team to 3 state championships[2][4], along with 29 conference championships and 12 state tournament appearances[2].- Inducted into several Halls of Fame, including the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association, University of Dubuque, and UW-Platteville[1][2].- He was also recognized as the National Federation of State High School Associations Boys Basketball Coach of the Year for the 2019-20 season[2].
Despite his retirement, Petitgoue's influence in the world of sports, particularly basketball, continues to be felt, as he was named the National Coach of the Year during the 2019-20 NBA season. Cuba City High School, where he spent five decades leading the boys basketball team, remains a testament to his unparalleled coaching success, having amassed 1,027 wins and 249 losses.
