Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: St. Edmond boys basketball coach Adolph Kochendorfer holds the Wooden Award, presented by Fort Dodge’s Randy Brown, and a commemorative plaque on Friday in the Gael gym.

The St. Edmond basketball community came together last Friday night to pay tribute to the legacy of Adolph Kochendorfer.

Kochendorfer, the long-time boys basketball coach, announced earlier this year that he would be retiring following the conclusion of the season.

Along with presenting Kochendorfer with the 2026 John R. Wooden Legacy Award, St. Edmond activities director David Flattery bestowed a plaque honoring the years of service to the school and program.

Kochendorfer, who led St. Edmond to its only state championship 26 years ago, has won over 500 games at the school and more than 600 in his coaching career. Former players dating back to his first Gael team were in attendance for the special evening, along with the likes of ex-St. Edmond all-staters John Engler, Jack Brownlee, Tim Flattery, Cory Bargfrede, Zak Clark, John Engler and Nick Clark.

“It really was a special moment,” Kochendorfer said. “I’m just so honored and blessed to have been able to coach all of those wonderful kids. It meant a lot that so many of them took time out to come back and be here.”

Engler, who helped St. Edmond reach the 2008 state championship game; Brownlee, who captained the Gaels to the 2000 state title; and Flattery, the starting point guard on the 2004 runner-up squad, all offered words to the packed SEHS gym in recognition of Kochendorfer.

All three mentioned that Kochendorfer not only shaped them into tremendous basketball players, but incredible people who would go on to do even bigger things away from the court.

The current St. Edmond players stood behind the pack of Gael alumni soaking it all in before taking the court and knocking off No. 7 (Class 3A) Clear Lake, 48-44. The victory ended a 49-game North Central Conference win streak by the Lions and was the first St. Edmond win in the series since 2016, who returned to the top position in 1A this week in the latest rankings.

Jakob Koopman scored 17 points with eight rebounds, Carson Bargfrede added 13 points and career scoring leader Hunter Horn finished with 12 and nine rebounds to lead the Gaels, who can secure a share of the NCC title for the first time since 2010 with a win over Webster City Tuesday.

“It was such a fun night in the Gael gym,” said David Flattery, also a former player under Kochendorfer. “Capacity crowd, two incredibly exciting basketball games — everything you’d want for a night of celebrating and honoring Coach K.

“Over 50 of his former players attended the games, with many more passing along well wishes prior. Thank you to Randy Brown and Bob Fontana from the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association for making the trip and presenting the Wooden Legacy Award. It was a special, memorable night…one I hope Coach K can hold onto for many years to come.”