Coaches

Dennis Koester

Year Inducted: 2002

Category: Coaches

Schools / Organizations: Teutopolis High School

Biography: Dennis Koester spent 32 years coaching basketball in the Teutopolis School District at various levels.  Koester spent 5 seasons as boys junior high coach, 3 seasons as freshman-sophomore boys coach and 24 seasons as a very successful coach of the Teutopolis Girls’ Varsity teams.  His Lady Shoes recorded 652 victories against only 88 losses.  Koester’s teams made 13 IHSA State Finals appearances, winning 5 State Championships (1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1995), 4-2nd place trophies, and a 3rd place trophy.  Along the journey to the finals, his teams won 23 IHSA Regional crowns and 17 IHSA Sectional titles.  In 17 IHSA Super-sectional appearances, his teams advanced 13 times.  He coached his teams to 30 holiday and invitational tournament championships.  Dennis received numerous coaching awards.  In 1991, he was chosen “Coach of the Year” of the Midwest States by the National Federation Interscholastic Coaches Association at their national convention.  Dennis placed the great success of his career squarely on the effort and determination of the seniors in his program throughout the seasons.  Just prior to his 25th season guiding the Lady Shoes, Dennis passed away on September 22, 2006.