This is Bob Becker’s 25th season as the Morton High School Lady Potters’ coach. Sixteen times his teams have won at least 20 games in a season, and nine times they’ve won 30. Four times they’ve won state championships. They’ve been a runner-up once, third once, fourth twice. Celebrants put up a sign the other night: “600 wins . . . and still counting.”
The count continues tomorrow on Senior Night at the Potterdome. Becker’s team, 22-5 this season and on a seven-game winning streak, can win the Mid-Illini Conference championship by defeating Washington.
“I just want to be 1 and 0 after the next one,” Becker often has said. It has been his way of deflecting praise when he reaches a coaching milestone. Each time he shares the credit with a community of fans, volunteers, youth coaches, supportive parents, and dedicated players.
Thousands of men and women have coached Illinois girls high school basketball teams. If you would, guess how many have won 600 games and four state championships.
Three.
Dorothy Gaters, in 46 seasons at Chicago Marshall, won 1,153 games and 10 state championships. She retired three years ago.
Dennis Koester, in 23 seasons at Teutopolis, won 652 games and five state championships. He retired 17 years ago.
The other is Bob Becker.