Two familiar coaching faces were back on the air as part of the statewide television broadcast of Thursday night’s Division 4 semifinals at the WIAA boys basketball state tournament
Former longtime Madison Edgewood boys basketball coach Chris Zwettler was part of the announcing crew as an analyst for the first Division 4 semifinal between top-seeded Neenah St. Mary Catholic and fourth-seeded Kenosha St. Joseph Catholic.
Jerry Petitgoue, who recently announced his retirement after 52 years as the Cuba City boys basketball coach, had the analyst duties for the second game — between second-seeded Onalaska Luther and third-seeded Whitehall.
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Zwettler said it was his 17th year working the state games on TV. He retired as athletic director and boys basketball coach at the end of the 2021-22 school year. He had been athletic director since 1989 and had a 482-304 record in 33 years as boys basketball coach.
He didn’t totally get away from coaching this school year, saying he coached his grandson, Tyson Meiller, in a seventh- and eighth-grade league this winter. Zwettler also is serving as a limousine driver, he said.
He said he receives inquiries from other coaches about whether he will coach in high school again.
“It was a good run,” Zwettler said, but then adding, “Who knows?”
Petitgoue then was part of the crew for the late game, which included Luther.
Luther eliminated Cuba City 87-64 in a regional final in Onalaska, bringing an end Petitgoue’s to storied high school coaching career. Cuba City finished 19-8. Petitgoue, who compiled a 1,027-270 record, received applause and a standing ovation after the game.
Petitgoue, the executive director of the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association, has more victories than any other coach in state history.
“I loved all 52 years at Cuba City,” he told Lee Sports Wisconsin’s Todd Sommerfeldt after that game. “But I’m 82 years old and I knew it had to end sometime. There will be a few tears later, but I’m happy with my decision.”
Former University of Wisconsin men’s basketball player Zach Morley was among the trio of officials for the late game.
Dave Jameson, assistant athletic director at Oregon High School, was one of the referees in the first Division 4 semifinal.
Cuba City coach Jerry Petitgoue
Zwettler
Photos: McFarland, Whitnall battle in nail-biting Division 2 boys basketball sectional final
McFarland's Aidan Chislom shoots over Whitnall's Ethan Thomas during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland's Dadon Gillen shoots over Whitnall's Ethan Thomas for a basket during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland's Andrew Kelley tries to turn the corner on Whitnall's Austin Herro during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland's Deven Kulp goes up for a shot against Whitnall's Josh Kaye during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
Whitnall's Austin Herro looks to drive past McFarland's Andrew Kelley during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland's Kyle Kussow defends against Whitnall's Jack Lutz during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland's Kaden Meinholdt fires a pass during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland's Braylan Roder celebrates a made basket during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland fans celebrate a made basket during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
Whitnall's Josh Kaye shoots a floater over McFarland's Dadon Gillen during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
The McFarland bench celebrates a made basket during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland's Aidan Chislom races up court against Whitnall's Josh Kaye during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland coach Jeff Meinholdt discusses with Kaden Meinholdt (0) and Deven Kulp during a set of free throws during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland's Dadon Gillen looks for an open teammate while being guarded by Whitnall's Ethan Thomas during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
Whitnall's Jack Lutz drives up court against McFarland's Kyle Kussow during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland's Andrew Kelley looks for an open teammate to pass to during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland's Deven Kulp tries to blow past Whitnall's Josh Kaye during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland's Kyle Kussow defends against Whitnall's Austin Herro during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland fans shout for a fourth personal foul on a Whitnall player during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
Whitnall's Myles Herro cuts in front of McFarland's Aidan Chislom during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
The McFarland student section cheers during introductions for Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland's Aidan Chislom looks to drive past Whitnall's Myles Herro during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
McFarland's Deven Kulp drives the lane during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
Whitnall's Ethan Thomas looks for an open teammate while being guarded by McFarland's Dadon Gillen during Saturday afternoon's WIAA Division 2 sectional final game at Elkhorn High School.
