Tuesday, September 6, 2005

David Coates / The Detroit News Brother Rice coach Al Fracassa.

Fab five coaches

By Tom Markowski / The Detroit News

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Here are the state's top five coaches as selected by Tom Markowski of The Detroit News:

Al Fracassa, Birmingham Brother Rice: The numbers (344-92-7, five state titles) speak for themselves, but Fracassa has meant so much more to the program than victories and championships. So many of his players have returned to the program as assistant coaches and numerous others come back just to say hello.

John Herrington, Farmington Hills Harrison: He's second to Fracassa in career victories (323-68-1) but beats Fracassa in winning percentage (.826 to .789) and state titles (12). Like Fracassa, Herrington's forte is the offense. Both have been innovative over the years and have set the standards.

Tom Mach, Detroit Catholic Central: Consistency has been the hallmark of this program. During Mach's 27 seasons, the Shamrocks have won nine state titles, made the state playoffs 16 times and won 13 Catholic League titles. Before Mach (263-57) came to C.C. in 1976, the program hadn't won a league title since '63. C.C. won its first league title under Mach in '79.

Ralph Munger, Rockford: Munger built a strong program at Frankenmuth High in the 1980s before going to Rockford in1992. Rockford made the playoffs for the first time in '92 and has qualified for the playoffs in each of the last 10 seasons. Last season, Rockford won the Division 1 title, their first.

Bob Lantzy, Utica Eisenhower: Lantzy has been the school's only head coach. Eisenhower has made the playoffs 13 times since 1986, including four appearances in the state finals (1999-01, '03). His career record is 253-92-1.