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Boys Basketball: Westminster Christian’s Bruce Firchau gets 500th win
Updated: February 22, 2012 12:56AM
History was made in Hinckley on Tuesday evening as Westminster Christian defeated Faith Lutheran 65-25 in their first game of the Hinckley-Big Rock Class 1A Regional. With the victory Warriors coach Bruce Firchau earned his 500th career win in his 35th year of varsity coaching.
“This definitely gives me a sense of humility and honor,” said Firchau. “It just shows how hard all of my players have played, and my assistant coaches deserve a ton of credit as well. My wife and family have provided huge support and are the key ingredient to my success.”
On Tuesday the Warriors (16-12) started off a bit slow, but turned things on in the second half en route to the 40-point victory. The Westminster Christian defense, which is a huge factor in coach Firchau’s coaching philosophy, forced 27 Saint turnovers and held Faith Lutheran to just 30 percent shooting.
Junior Will Woodhouse led the Warriors with 22 points including 6-for-13 from behind the arc.
“We definitely turned things up a notch in the second half,” said Woodhouse. “We defended a lot better and as coach always tells us good defense will start offense and that was the case tonight.”
Faith Lutheran (4-17) coach Andrew Ernst was impressed with the accomplishment coach Firchau achieved on Tuesday.
“Bruce is such a great coach,” said Ernst. “His teams are always great defensive teams. Not only is he a great coach, but he is an even better person.”
The Saints were led by Jake Larson with 10 points.
Any thoughts of Firchau retiring after reaching the 500 win milestone can be put to rest for the moment.
“As long as I have the energy and still enjoy it I plan to keep at it,” said Firchau. “I don’t have a magic number as far as how much longer I want to coach. I’ll know when it’s time to go. I love teaching the kids and couldn’t be happier at Westminster Christian. I’ve always lucked out and had players who want to be coached and that is what I’ve enjoyed the most.”
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