Jim Lutzke

Throughout the 1990s, Jim Lutzke championed DeWitt High School athletics through his role as human resources director, athletic director, and boys varsity basketball coach. Highly successful and respected throughout the state, his teams won ten straight District Championships, including five at Williamston High School and five in his first five seasons as coach at DeWitt. His back-to-back Class B Final Four teams in 1994-1995 and 1995-1996 finished with an amazing 51–3 record. His career winning percentage was .735 as he notched an overall record of 214–77. The success of his teams, coupled with his administrative leadership, have set the bar for all DeWitt athletic teams. Lutzke won several coaching honors, highlighted by his selection as Class B Coach of the Year in 1995 by the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan. His impact on DeWitt High School athletics was tragically cut short after succumbing to pancreatic cancer in 1999. Jim Lutzke left a lasting legacy of sportsmanship, character, and integrity for all DeWitt athletes and coaches to model and admire.