(WKOW)– The winningest coach in Wisconsin high school basketball history, Jerry Petitgoue, has died at 84. Petitgoue’s son shared the news on social media on Saturday.
It’s with a heavy heart that my best friend & dad passed away today! He touched so many people as a high basketball coach for 60 years in the state of Wisconsin! He will be greatly missed! I love you dad! pic.twitter.com/ucQ0RpM6H1
— Mark Petitgoue (@mpetitgoue) June 8, 2025
Petitgoue spent 60 years coaching basketball in Wisconsin, including 52 seasons at Cuba City. He retired after the 2023 season at 82.
Petitgoue is the first coach in state history to win 1,000 career games. He won three WIAA state championships with the Cubans (1981, 1991, 1998).
Petitgoue also served as executive director of the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association.
For as many lives as he touched on the court, he touched many more off of it.
Incredibly sad news to report today as my friend and the winningest basketball coach in state history and longtime WBCA Executive Director Jerry Petitgoue has died. He is a legend in high school athletics in Wisconsin and will be incredibly missed. #wisbb pic.twitter.com/fzG4Pg7xEy
— Travis Wilson (@travisWSN) June 8, 2025
A sad day in the State of Wisconsin and for basketball in the state. Jerry was such a huge part of the growth of the game in this state. But most important he wanted to give kids opportunities to learn and grow. I will miss my phone calls with coach. https://t.co/O1xeCmfvF3
— Brian Butch (@Brian_Butch) June 8, 2025
Sad news for our state basketball landscape. A legend in every sense of the word has passed. RIP to Jerry Petitgoue. Prayers for Joan and the family. https://t.co/7axtS7pq5n
— Mark Miller (@WisBBYearbook) June 8, 2025
The Greatest of All Time.Cannot describe the amount of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Petitgoue. He was such an inspiration, impactful and incredible man. His dedication and care he had for his players was so special.I will miss you dearly.Love you Coach!❤️🕊️ https://t.co/nHgTT5CYrI pic.twitter.com/EtkgZjXZXC
— Jackson Noll 🌵 (@jackson_noll) June 8, 2025
Such a wonderful person. Such a huge impact on high school basketball in Wisconsin. I will miss my broadcast partner. https://t.co/HyHHUputUx
— Scott Emerich (@ScottEmerich19) June 8, 2025
No, you’re the best Jerry. Rest in peace to a legendary coach and person. You will be missed by so many. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xNVJPZIZG9
— Karley Marotta (@Karley_Marotta) June 8, 2025