The Times-Tribune
CORBIN —
By Les Dixon / Sports Editor
Early on during Tony Pietrowski’s coaching career a state tournament matchup against his former coach Billy Hicks might not have been an ideal situation for him, but he doesn’t seem to mind anymore.
“It’s not as tough on me as it was early on when we played against each other,” he admitted. “Coach Hicks has really done a lot for the Corbin basketball program, and to be honest, he put it back on the map.
“He has helped me out a lot, and I’m sure whoever wins, there won’t be any hard feelings on the other side,” he added.
Hicks said he knew Pietrowski was going to be successful as a head coach because he was successful on the court as a player.
“I knew he had it in him,” he said. “You could see that he was a natural ball player and he grew up around basketball, you just knew, if he wanted to coach that he could do it. Man, he just provides a big spark whether it is when he is playing or coaching.”
Pietrowski has provided a spark and even more. He has guided the Redhounds to three 13th Region championships and a 200-55 record during his tenure.
“The first thing I want to do is thank my administration,” Pietrowski said. “From top to bottom, they have fully supported me and their decision to hire me as coach. Early on in my career, we didn’t accomplish everything that we wanted and it would have been easy for them to give into some of the pressure, but they never wavered. That’s what makes being the head coach here special. I have a strong support system, a group of people that don’t only look in the short term. They saw we were headed in the right direction and in the last few years, I believe we have proven them to be correct.
“I can honestly say that some of the hard times make moments like this that much more enjoyable,” he added. “It’s extremely gratifying to look back since my first Sweet Sixteen appearance and see everything we have accomplished. It’s a testament to the players that have devoted themselves to the program, the coaching staff I have in place, and the support of my family, administration, and community. I love Corbin Basketball and I love everything it’s about.”
Hicks said he knew it was just a matter of time before Pietrowski would have his team competing for region and state championships.
“Tony is just a smart guy,” he said. “He was a smart kid when he played ball and he just knows the game. I know I’ve said this before, but I really wish we were meeting each other in the state title game next week instead of the first round.”
