Coaches

Billy Schnurr

Year Inducted: 1984

Category: Coaches

Schools / Organizations: (Skokie) Niles West High School

Biography: Billy Schnurr spent 31 years coaching. Niles Township West enjoyed his services for 28 of those years. Two seasons at Stoughton, Wis., produced an overall 27-22 record. In 16 seasons as the head boys’ coach at Niles West, Schnurr was 221 and 157. Twice Schnurr teams lost in the super-sectionals. he won four Central Suburban League crowns, four regionals, and one conference title in Wisconsin. More than 30 of his players have received all-conference, area or statewide recognition. Schnurr’s 1975-76 team, which lost to eventual state champion, Morgan Park, in the 1975 Proviso West Christmas Tournament by one point, led the Central Suburban in fewest points scored against with a 44.6 average. Schnurr’s forte was individual player analysis, including his own and his opponents. One Chicago newspaper credits Schnurr as responsible for ending downstate domination of Illinois high school basketball. After coaching, Billy continued teaching at Niles West, was Department Head of Boys Physical Education and assistant baseball coach.  The staff at Niles West revered Billy so much that they named the Thanksgiving Holiday tournament after him.