Darrell Knoll named Coach of the Year

Hillsboro High School basketball coach Darrel Knoll had a great season this year that ended with his team taking state for 2A when they beat Wabaunsee 59-50. Knoll started out the season with a 539-207 record for his 33 years as head coach for the Trojans.

During his first 10 years as head coach, Knoll coached his teams to three state titles—1991, 1995 and 1998. His teams also had several second place wins in 1992, 1997 and 1999.

He was recently named the 2A Coach of the Year on March 27.

“Coach Knoll is one of the hardest working coaches I know and is passionate about the game. He teaches kids qualities that will help them be successful later in life. It is always great to see a coach from our school win an award this big,” said HHS Athletic Director Robert Rempel.

Knoll credited others with his success.

“It is a great honor that is only possible because I have great players and assistant coaches to work with. I have been blessed with a great situation,” said Knoll.

Many, including USD 410 superintendent Max Heinrichs, are proud of Knoll and believe that he earned the title.

“This is well deserved, and Darrel is most deserving of this award. While at Hillsboro, his teams have averaged 17 wins a season, and in a typical season, you are only guaranteed 21 games a year. You can always count on his teams being well prepared for their assignments and games. We have been blessed in Hillsboro to watch and be a part of a Hall of Fame career that Coach Knoll has put together while teaching and coaching at Hillsboro High School,” said Heinrichs.

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