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The state of Utah has seen many great high school basketball players over the years. In my lifetime, some the players that stand out the most include: Jimmy Soto, Ben Melmeth, Daniel Deane, Jaxon Myaer and the Giovacchini brothers.

Sure there have been plenty of others worth mentioning, but these four have one thing in common… Coach Jim Yerkovich.

With 634 wins, 16 region championships, six championship appearances, and three state championships, Coach Yerkovich has become a fixture in the UHSAA scene. Loved and adored by many, Yerkovich has graced the sidelines of Judge Memorial for the past 44 years.

Little did we know last Saturday, Judge’s 45 to 24 loss in the 3A state championship game to Wasatch would be the last game Coach Yerkovich would ever coach in Utah.

Often times when legendary coaches retire, they announce their last year before the season starts which leads to most opponents paying tribute to a rival, but also a respected man. Yerkovich was never that type.

Yerkovich, famous for his “WE” phrase, was never all about himself. He knew that there was more to life than wins and losses and that foundation led to his teams’ success.

Although Judge Memorial lost in the 3A championship, Yerkovich still has one more tournament to coach in, the Alhambra National Catholic Invitational Tournament in Cumberland, Maryland.

Our staff here with Utah Sports Action would like to join many others in saying, Coach Yekovich, “WE” thank you for the years of service that you have given to many kids’ high school dreams.