Wilmot honors coaching legend

Former Wilmot boys basketball coach Tom Reigel had the school court named in his honor (Photo by Earlene Frederick).
Former Wilmot boys basketball coach Tom Reigel had the school court named in his honor (Photo by Earlene Frederick).

Court named for Tom Reigel

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

In honor of his 25th anniversary of capturing a state title, former Wilmot Union High School boys basketball coach Tom Reigel had the school’s basketball court dedicated in his name at halftime of a Feb. 19 contest against Burlington.

The coach – who won two state titles, with the first in 1984 – achieved nine conference championships and more than 400 coaching wins.

The 1984 championship came in 67-54 win against Valders to cap off a 25-0 season.

Seven years later, the Panthers posted a 27-0 record en route to 1991 state title game in which the team defeated Monroe, 73-64.

School Athletic Director Herm Christiansen had Friday night’s game in mind, citing an opportunity for former students, friends and family members to attend.

“We wanted to do it on the last Friday night of the season,” he said. “I think that a guy with more than 400 victories is deserving.”

With about 300 former players and contingent of friends and family in attendance, it was a night to remember, according to Christiansen.

“It was wonderful to have all of his friends and former players come,” he said, noting one came from Texas.

The former coach accrued a 50-game winning streak in the early 1990s, which brought additional attraction to
the Wilmot community, Christiansen said.

“It was the only game in town,” he said.

The athletic director proposed the dedication night to the School Board last summer.


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