Hucke steps down after 17 seasons

Echo staff report

The Rochester Community and Technical College womenís basketball program will have a new head coach for the 2019-20 season, as longtime Head Coach Steve Hucke has announced that he would not return after this season.

Hucke who has been on the sidelines for 17 seasons is leaving the program to take on the role of Sport Program Director at the Rochester Family YMCA.† Hucke will remain as head coach of the RCTC baseball team. Coach Hucke met with his team and made it clear that the opportunity presented to step into his new role at the YMCA was something that he just couldnít pass up.

ìI have thoroughly enjoyed my time as womenís basketball coach at RCTC and have so many memories that I will cherish forever,î Hucke said. ìI want to thank the administration, my colleagues, assistant coaches, and all of the great players that I have had the opportunity to coach, it has been a blessing.î

Under Huckeís guidance the Yellowjackets have a record of 297-173. They have won multiple region, state and division championships.

Highlighting Huckeís tenure was winning the 2009 national Division III Womenís basketball championship with a 34-0 record. Hucke also guided the 2017-18 Yellowjacket squad to the Elite Eight.

Huckeís individual coaching honors include National Coach of the Year, Region XIIIA Coach of the Year, MCAC State Coach of the Year ñ three times ñ and Southern Division Coach of the Year six times.

Under Hucke the RCTC women were known fast-paced style of play leading to a highly potent offense and full-court intensity.

He has coached 10 All-Americans, more than 20 Distinguished Academic All-Americans, and has many all-region, all-state and all-division selections. Hucke has had multiple players move on to play Division I, Division II, Division III and NAIA basketball.

RCTC Athletic Director Mike Lester said Hucke will be difficult to replace.

ìCoach Hucke will be missed on the sidelines of the Sports Center, his passion for the game and his deep desire for his women to be successful not only on the court but in life will be difficult to replace,î Lester said. ìThe energy and enthusiasm that he has for RCTC and the athletic department is something we all strive to pass on to our student-athletes.î

The Yellowjackets return to action March 2-3 for the Region XIIIA Tournament.