Sigler roast on Sylvania menu

Retired Northview girls coach to be honored for 38 years

Jerry Sigler retired from coaching Sylvania Northview with a 675-177 career record, ranking third for career wins among Ohio high school basketball coaches.

Chants of "Jerry, Jerry, Jerry" are expected one last time for Jerry Sigler during a retirement dinner/​roast for the former Northview girls basketball coach.

The event, billed as "Coach Sigler's Last Game," is Aug. 3 at Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter.

Sigler announced his retirement at the end of the 2012-13 season after 38 years of coaching the Wildcats.

Players from all 38 teams are expected to attend, as well as coaches, administrators, and game officials to recognize one of the winningest coaches in Ohio high school basketball.

Sigler, 67, retired with a stellar 675-177 career record and ranks third for career wins among the Ohio High School Athletic Association's girls high school basketball coaches.

"We think it will be a very entertaining night," Sigler said. "I'm not so sure if it will be for me, but I'm sure it will be for most everybody else."

Sigler led Northview to state final four appearances in 1978, 2004, 2005. The Wildcats claimed at least a share of 18 league championships: nine each in the Great Lakes League and the Northern Lakes League.

"Obviously, the state tournament teams come to mind," said Sigler, when asked about what his career highlights. "Your first one obviously, you probably remember that one the most."

Sigler was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent surgery in September, 2012. He admitted it was a life-changing experience and spent the past two years enjoying every moment courtside.

Sigler entertained thoughts of coaching at least 40 seasons before deciding it was time to step down. The demands of coaching full-time had begun to wear on him.

"That would've been great, but I've been running out of gas," Sigler said.

He’ll still be around in a limited role serving as a basketball consultant for the boys team, working individually with players on their fundamentals.

Sigler makes it clear the event isn't just about his retirement. Coaching has been a collaborative effort with his wife, Karen, who faithfully sat at scorer's tables handling the Wildcats scorebook. She also called in scores to the media and kept Northview individual and team statistics.

"This has been teamwork all the way," Jerry said. "Obviously, she has done a lot for Northview and she's been there for me all those years."

The Siglers have heard from many of Jerry's players, including members of teams from the 1970s.

"I'm hoping they all come," Karen said. "It will be fun to see everybody and I'm looking forward to it."

"It will be very emotional for both Karen and I when we stand up there for the last time," he said.

The dinner, open to the public, costs $25. A meet-and-great begins at 5:30; dinner is at 6:30, and the roast at 7:30.

Information is at playsylvania.com. Click on "Coach Sigler's Last Game".

Contact Donald Emmons at: demmons@theblade.com, 419-724-6302 or on Twitter @DemmonsBlade