The first big”name” in Oregon high school basketball coaching, Hank Kuchera spent 30 years at University High School and Eugene High School (later South Eugene). His Oregon record of 519-239 was the all-time best until 1990.
Kuchera came to Eugene in 1942 after two seasons coaching in North Dakota. He spent two seasons at University before moving across town to Eugene High.
Kuchera won state championships in 1946 and 1955, and his teams finished second in 1953, 1954, and 1964. His teams reached the state tournament 15 times and produced 22 All-State players.
The 1946 champs had a 25-7 record and featured Ty Lovelace and Gene Miner. The Axemen defeated Washington High of Portland in the final at Willamette University. The 1955 team, keyed by Leighton Tuttle and Mike Moran topped Medford in the title game played at Mac Court.
Eugene High School became South Eugene in 1959. The 1964 state runners-up were Hank’s last 20-win team.
Hank Kuchera retired in 1971, his overall high school record was 552 victories and 246 defeats for a .692 winning percentage.
Hank Kuchera is a member of the South Eugene Hall of Fame and the school’s gym bears the name “Kuch’s Court”.