End Of An Era At Wawasee...
Kem Zolman steps down as girls basketball coach
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Mark [email protected]
Zolman announced his coaching resignation Wednesday afternoon, first to his team, then in a statement released by the athletic department.
Zolman said after a total of 34 years of basketball coaching, which also includes time as an assistant with the boys program, “it’s just time.”
“Over the past several years, it’s been very plain to me that my family has been very supportive. My wife’s (Lynette) been loyal and faithful to support me and my career. When I go home I’m here, but I’m not really here; my thoughts are often on other things.” Zolman said.
The decision to step down was made before this season began. The Lady Warriors finished with an 8-15 record and ended the season with a 62-34 loss to Tippecanoe Valley in the sectional opener Tuesday night.
“It wasn’t anything about this team, or what other teams did or didn’t do; if anything it’s the kids that keep you in it. I had told Wik (athletic director Steve Wiktorowski) and my principal (Mike Schmidt) that this would be my last season, so no matter what happened this season, it wouldn’t affect that decision.”
While he’s eligible to retire from teaching, Zolman said has no plans to do so anytime soon.
“This will be the first time in 34 years I haven’t had at least two or three jobs going on at the same time,” he said. “So I will have some extra time. But coaching has been a huge part of my life, and to tell the kids, that was one of the tougher things I’ve ever done, occupation-wise.”
Zolman said the outpouring of support since his announcement has been “just tremendous. This social media stuff just boggles my mind. The word got out before I could turn in my letter to my administration. It’s been unbelieveable the number of texts I’ve gotten from ex-players, it’s been overwhelming.”
A statement from Wiktorowski said “Kem Zolman guided Wawasee girls basketball to unprecedented levels of achievement during his tenure as coach. For an extended period of time, Wawasee set the standard in northern Indiana and the NLC for success in girls basketball. Wawasee and girls basketball became synonymous as Coach Zolman won championships on the sectional, regional, and semistate levels. He competed for a state championship. He won four NLC championships. And he coached one of the greatest female players in the history of Indiana basketball, his daughter Shanna. He set a standard that will be difficult to emulate and we are very appreciative for all he has done both on and off the court as a representative of Wawasee Schools and our athletic program. We wish him nothing but the best in his future after coaching.”
Zolman caps his career with a 243-166 record.
A statement from the athletic department said “no coaching replacement has been named and a thorough search will begin this spring.”[[In-content Ad]]
Zolman announced his coaching resignation Wednesday afternoon, first to his team, then in a statement released by the athletic department.
Zolman said after a total of 34 years of basketball coaching, which also includes time as an assistant with the boys program, “it’s just time.”
“Over the past several years, it’s been very plain to me that my family has been very supportive. My wife’s (Lynette) been loyal and faithful to support me and my career. When I go home I’m here, but I’m not really here; my thoughts are often on other things.” Zolman said.
The decision to step down was made before this season began. The Lady Warriors finished with an 8-15 record and ended the season with a 62-34 loss to Tippecanoe Valley in the sectional opener Tuesday night.
“It wasn’t anything about this team, or what other teams did or didn’t do; if anything it’s the kids that keep you in it. I had told Wik (athletic director Steve Wiktorowski) and my principal (Mike Schmidt) that this would be my last season, so no matter what happened this season, it wouldn’t affect that decision.”
While he’s eligible to retire from teaching, Zolman said has no plans to do so anytime soon.
“This will be the first time in 34 years I haven’t had at least two or three jobs going on at the same time,” he said. “So I will have some extra time. But coaching has been a huge part of my life, and to tell the kids, that was one of the tougher things I’ve ever done, occupation-wise.”
Zolman said the outpouring of support since his announcement has been “just tremendous. This social media stuff just boggles my mind. The word got out before I could turn in my letter to my administration. It’s been unbelieveable the number of texts I’ve gotten from ex-players, it’s been overwhelming.”
A statement from Wiktorowski said “Kem Zolman guided Wawasee girls basketball to unprecedented levels of achievement during his tenure as coach. For an extended period of time, Wawasee set the standard in northern Indiana and the NLC for success in girls basketball. Wawasee and girls basketball became synonymous as Coach Zolman won championships on the sectional, regional, and semistate levels. He competed for a state championship. He won four NLC championships. And he coached one of the greatest female players in the history of Indiana basketball, his daughter Shanna. He set a standard that will be difficult to emulate and we are very appreciative for all he has done both on and off the court as a representative of Wawasee Schools and our athletic program. We wish him nothing but the best in his future after coaching.”
Zolman caps his career with a 243-166 record.
A statement from the athletic department said “no coaching replacement has been named and a thorough search will begin this spring.”[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092