Coach Chris Zwettler Makes History with 1000th Game
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, Guardians boys basketball Head Coach Chris Zwettler made history as only one of three coaches in Wisconsin boys basketball history to coach 1000 games!
The celebration brought together Guardians fans, former players, fellow coaches, and many friends and family to honor the impact of this one-of-a-kind coach.
To watch the short ceremony before the 1000th game, click below and forward to the 32 minute mark as the community honored Coach Z along with Edgewood Head Coach Kevin Schmotzer, a representative from the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association, and Fr. Larry Bakke. Plus hear from the man of the hour himself. The two special videos shown from Coach Bo Ryan and Coach Greg Gard are also below for your viewing pleasure!
Celebrating Coach Z
Congratulations from Coach Bo Ryan
Congratulations from Coach Greg Gard
Press Release Announcing Coach Z’s 1000th Game Celebration
St. Ambrose Academy’s boys basketball Head Coach Chris Zwettler is about to make history. On Saturday, January 18, Coach Zwettler will lead the varsity team in his 1000th career game—a feat achieved only three times in the history of Wisconsin Boys Basketball. The game will take place against Evansville High School.
Hired by the Academy in May 2023, Coach Zwettler launched its newly created varsity boys basketball program. His coaching journey spans over four decades, during which he has cemented his legacy as one of Wisconsin’s most respected basketball coaches.
Before joining St. Ambrose, Zwettler served as a teacher, coach, and athletic director for over 33 years at Edgewood High School. He also worked under Hall of Fame coach Bo Ryan at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and began his head coaching career at Stockton High School in Illinois.
Zwettler’s accomplishments are impressive. He guided Edgewood High School’s boys basketball team to a Division 2 State Championship in 2002 and was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2017.
“Coach Z has been everything we could have asked for since coming on board to coach our program,” said St. Ambrose athletic director Scott Schmiesing. “It’s a tremendous honor for our community to be a part of such a rare and remarkable achievement.”
Looking back on his storied career, Zwettler considers himself “forever blessed to surround myself with outstanding coaches, players, staff, and parents.”
The public is invited to attend this historic event, which will take place at Badger Ridge Middle School located at 300 Richard Street in Verona.
A brief pre-game ceremony, held prior to the varsity game, is expected to begin at 6:00 PM with tip-off to follow. A light reception will take place after the game.
Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for seniors/children aged five and older.