A milestone looks imminent for one of the best coaches in the history of Iowa High School basketball. Hillcrest Academy head coach Dwight Gingerich is entering his 39th year with the program and has compiled 696 career wins. That total is the sixth most in state history, and the most for any coach with a single program. Last season he passed former Dyersville Beckman Catholic and Marquette Catholic coach Jim Squiers on the all-time list. Gingerich has a 696-209 overall record at Hillcrest, leaving him behind only active coaches Dan Beck at Easton Valley and Mitch Osborn at Harlan. He also trails retired coaches Al Marshall of Cascade, Fred Parsons of Van Buren and former WACO and North Linn head coach Bob Hilmer who is the winningest coach in state history with 917 victories.

Starting with his first season in 1981-82, Gingerich has had just four losing seasons with the Ravens, none since 1996, a string of 25 consecutive winning years. Across his 38 seasons he has averaged 18 wins per year against just six losses. His teams have won at least 15 games in a season 28 times, at least 20 games 20 times. His 38 seasons to reach 696 wins is the second fastest to that mark in state history. His .769 winning percentage is second among coaches in the top 10 for career wins. Gingerich’s teams have qualified for the state tournament in Des Moines 12 times, finishing as runner-up four times and winning the 1992 state championship.

The Ravens finished last year with a 13-8 overall record. With the countdown on, the Ravens open the season Tuesday at Mediapolis. The earliest Gingerich could reach the 700 club would be a Thursday, December 9th home date with Columbus.