John Pfohl has announced he is retiring from coaching the Kolbe Cathedral boys basketball program after 15 years, the school said in an emailed statement today.
Pfohl presided over one of this region’s most dominating runs during his tenure at the school. He took over for in 1993 and over the next 14 seasons Kolbe Cathedral won eight SWC championships in 12 appearances–including six in a row from 1999-2004–and also won two state championships in five appearances.
Pfohl, 43, said he is retiring to watch his four children. Victoria, his oldest, is a freshman at Trumbull. He is strongly recommending assistant C.J. Shamas as his replacement.
“Coach Pfohl has provided tremendous service to the KCHS school community through its basketball program,” principal Jo-Anne Jakab said in the statement. “He has treated the student-athletes with respect and fairness, set the standards high and helped our young men to attain them. His replacement has a strong foundation upon which to build.”
More later.
Kudos to John Pfohl. Finally, it’s good to see a man put his priorities in order. He has been committed to Kolbe-Cathedral for 14 years oftentimes at the expense of his family. This is a person who should be applauded for the decision he has made. He has done his part to serve his community for the last 14 years and now it is time for him to serve his family to a greater degree. As the father of four and one who is a very good high school player, I understand the feelings that he must have in choosing to serve others over his family. He is right, you only have one shot to see your kids play. There is nothing that he can accomplish on the coaching level that will compare to him watching his kids play. There is no greater feeling of pride than watching your offspring play and succeed at what they are doing. There are no coaching accolades that will surpass this. Trust me. There are no do-overs when raising kids. So, Coach Pfohl, you did a great job coaching and I’m sure the kids will miss you but you have chosen the greater good by deciding to put your family first. This is honorable and God is pleased with your decision. I’m sure you feel a sense of relief. That relief is because you made the right decision. Coaching will always be there, but kids will be kids only once. God Bless You and thank you for a job well done and for being the father that God has called you to be.
suprised to see him go with all the talent they have coming back….but good for him, i have coached against him and he is a class act and all around nice guy, even though he may not seem that way when you are watching from the stands