Raethz selected for IBCA Hall of Fame
HUNTLEY — Huntley High School girls basketball Head Coach Stsve Raethz’s 25th season on the job is already a memorable one.
Raethz will be honored as a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame (IBCA) Class of 2024 the organization announced. He received an IBCA plaque at the Dundee-Crown Komaromy Classic Tournament.
The Red Raiders’ record was 11-4 overall, 6-0 Fox Valley Conference after the Dundee-Crown Kamaromy Classic. They host Prospect Jan. 5 in non-conference play before hosting Fox Valley Conference foe McHenry Jan. 9.
Raethz, who ended the holiday tournament with 432 career victories, all at HHS, commented on the state-wide honor.
“It’s been an amazing journey and a very rewarding one as a coach the last 25 years,” Raethz said. “I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to be selected into the IBCA Hall of Fame. Earning this honor is not just a personal achievement, but it speaks to the collective effort of so many individuals who have contributed to our program’s success over the years.”
He continued, “the backbone of that has been an incredible group of players that I’ve had the opportunity to coach and build relationships with over the last 25 years. Additionally, I’m so fortunate to have worked alongside many dedicated coaches who shared in and worked hard to foster the collective vision of our program. I’m so appreciative and grateful to all of our players and coaches over the years for helping to maker this program what it is.”
Raethz achieved a milestone of 400 victories with an early season triumph at Jacobs last season.
The resume for HHS girls basketball over the last quarter century has been solid. The Red Raiders achieved 11 regional titles, three sectional crowns, and advanced to a fourth place Class 4A finish in 2012-2013. The Red Raiders have dominated the FVC recently, with six straight championships and a current 34-game win streak. Raethz has earned eight total IBCA District Coach of the Year awards, including last season.
Raethz took the Huntley girls hoops role after playing his prep basketball at Hoffman Estates and for three years at St. Norbert College of Green Bay, WI.
“We congratulate Coach Raethz on his Hall of Fame achievement,” HHS Athletic Director Glen Wilson said. “His dedication and efforts in the sport of girls basketball is astounding and the positive impact he has had on students and staff on and off the court is remarkable.”
