On the morning of Saturday, June 7, 2025, Ohio lost a true legend, Richard “Dick” Kortokrax, the state’s winningest high school boys basketball coach, passed away peacefully at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving family.
His death marks the end of an extraordinary era in Ohio high school basketball, but his legacy as a coach, mentor, and family man will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Born on August 9, 1933, in Ottoville, Ohio, Dick Kortokrax’s love for basketball began early.
A 1951 graduate of Ottoville High School, he was shaped by his coach, Louis Heckman, whose influence would inspire a career that spanned over five decades.
After high school, Kortokrax attended Anderson University in Indiana and later earned his Master’s Degree from Ball State University in 1961.
His education helped him build a successful career that combined teaching, coaching, and leadership.
Kortokrax’s coaching journey began in 1957 at Fort Jennings High School, where he spent two years.
He then returned to his alma mater, Ottoville High School, for 14 seasons from 1959 to 1974.
In 1974, he took the helm at Kalida High School, where he would establish his legacy over the next 24 years.
With an astounding career record of 822 wins and 323 losses, Kortokrax became Ohio’s winningest boys varsity basketball coach, a record that speaks to his dedication, skill, and passion for the game.
Kortokrax Was A Coach Who Taught Young Men Discipline And Responsibility
His proudest moment came during the 1980-81 season when his Kalida Wildcats, featuring two of his sons on the roster and a third as a volunteer coach, went 27-1 and won the Ohio Class A state championship.
The victory was a family affair, a proof of Kortokrax’s ability to blend his love for basketball with his devotion to his family.
Kortokrax led Kalida to the state Final Four three additional times, with runner-up finishes in 1988 and 2009.
His trophy case boasts an impressive haul: 15 Putnam County League titles, 14 Sectional championships, 7 District titles, 3 Regional championships, and 3 state tournament appearances.
His teams were known for their grit, preparation, and teamwork—qualities that reflected Kortokrax’s character.
Beyond coaching, Kortokrax was a pillar of his community.
Over his career, he spent 17 years as a classroom teacher, 20 as a principal, and 27 as an athletic director, often juggling multiple roles.
His leadership grew to the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association, where he served as president from 1976 to 1978 and as an officer for a decade.
His commitment to the sport earned him numerous accolades, including Coach of the Year honours from the Putnam County League, District 8, Northwest Ohio, and the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association, as well as the Associated Press.
He also coached in prestigious all-star games, including the District 8 East-West and North-South All-Star Games.
Kortokrax often expressed gratitude to those who supported him, including his mentor Louis Heckman, Paul Grilliot at Fort Jennings, and his longtime assistant Joe Horstman, who served alongside him for 36 years.
Assistants like Jeremy Stouder, Jim McBride, Bob Gerdeman, and his son Rick Kortokrax also played key roles in his success.
Kortokrax Is Best Known For Basketball, But His Greatest Pride Was Being A Husband And Father
Richard married his beloved wife, Donna Mae, on July 7, 1956. The Kortokrax raised eight children: Debbie, Diane, Dana, Beth, Susan, Rick, Robert, and Randy.
His family was his foundation, and he cherished the moments when his sons joined him on the court, whether as players or coaches.
Kortokrax is survived by his eight children and grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his values of hard work, loyalty, and love.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife Donna M. Kortokrax, who passed away Aug. 22, 2010, and his son, Robert “Bob” Kortokrax.
Even at 77, when he was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012, Kortokrax was still coaching, proof of his unrelenting passion for the game.
He retired with a legacy that transcends wins and losses.
He taught his players the importance of discipline, preparation, and teamwork—lessons that shaped their lives far beyond the hardwood.
As Ohio mourns the loss of Richard Kortokrax, his life serves as a reminder of the power of dedication and love for a sport, a community, and family.
His 822 victories are a remarkable achievement, but it’s the countless lives he touched that truly define his legacy.
From the small gyms of Fort Jennings and Ottoville to the state championship stage with Kalida, Kortokrax’s influence is woven into the fabric of Ohio high school basketball.
As his children and grandchildren carry forward his memory, they do so with the same strength and grace he displayed every day.
Rest in peace, Coach Kortokrax. Your legacy will never fade.
