KETTERING -- "You know I am 75 and that is long enough," said Alter coach Joe Petrocelli.
It's the end of an era at Alter. Legendary boys basketball coach Joe Petrocelli is retiring after 50 years.
"My intention was to do this for three or four years. I got into it almost by accident," the coach said.
Petrocelli's success was not an accident, winning three state titles, eight regional championships and 24 district titles.
"What happened was in the 70s we got great players. We got all the great UD players' sons and we had a lot of talent and were able to win, win win, and you think this will never end," Petrocelli said.
With success came pressure.
The hall of famer ranks second all-time in wins in Ohio, but is ready to hang up his whistle.
"I'm sure there will be a void when it comes around to November."
"Well I only have two more bus rides, ha ha ha! And that's great. I won't miss the bus rides."
Alter will never be the same.
"It's gonna be a lot different. It's his gym, it's always been him coaching. So it's going to be a new feeling," said senior Michael Spencer.
The Knights are state-ranked and feel the need to send coach Petro off with another big run.
"We want to make this year special not just for the team, but for coach Petro and we want him to go out with a big bang," said senior Jaaron Simmons.
No matter how it ends coach Petrocelli's ready.
"It's been a great run. I have no real regrets. If I could go back I think I could win a couple more of those big games," the coach said.
It's the end of an era at Alter. Legendary boys basketball coach Joe Petrocelli is retiring after 50 years.
"My intention was to do this for three or four years. I got into it almost by accident," the coach said.
Petrocelli's success was not an accident, winning three state titles, eight regional championships and 24 district titles.
"What happened was in the 70s we got great players. We got all the great UD players' sons and we had a lot of talent and were able to win, win win, and you think this will never end," Petrocelli said.
With success came pressure.
The hall of famer ranks second all-time in wins in Ohio, but is ready to hang up his whistle.
"I'm sure there will be a void when it comes around to November."
"Well I only have two more bus rides, ha ha ha! And that's great. I won't miss the bus rides."
Alter will never be the same.
"It's gonna be a lot different. It's his gym, it's always been him coaching. So it's going to be a new feeling," said senior Michael Spencer.
The Knights are state-ranked and feel the need to send coach Petro off with another big run.
"We want to make this year special not just for the team, but for coach Petro and we want him to go out with a big bang," said senior Jaaron Simmons.
No matter how it ends coach Petrocelli's ready.
"It's been a great run. I have no real regrets. If I could go back I think I could win a couple more of those big games," the coach said.