Retrospect: Schutz earned No. 200

Forty-five years ago this week, Portland High School boys basketball coach Harold Schutz earned his 200th win leading the Panthers.

Schutz celebrated by cutting down the nets and then enjoying some cake after his team’s 98-56 victory at home over Monroe Central late in his 16th season at the school.

PHS was prepared for the milestone as the cake had “200” in the decorations and Schutz was also presented with a plaque to honor the accomplishment. A sign reading “Congratulations, Pappy” was unfurled at the end of the game.

The Panthers made sure the planning would not go for naught, shooting 32-of-52 (62 percent) as they posted their most lopsided victory of the season while earning their fifth win in a row. Monroe Central was within 11 points early in the third quarter before a 16-2 run that included three hoops by Pat Medler and two apiece from Bob Elson and Dave Rowland put the game out of reach.

Medler shot 9-of-13 from the field to lead six Portland players in double figures with 18 points.

Rowland was 8-of-10 and scored 16 points, followed by Randy Smith and Bill Hampson (13 apiece), Jim Raszkowski (12) and Bob Alig (11).

The victory improved the Panthers’ record to 14-2, matching their win total from the previous season.

Prior to coaching at Portland, Schutz had led teams for Geneva and Etna Green. He went on to serve as Jay County High School’s first athletics director.