Snip Esterly has accomplished a multitude of goals over his more than four-decade long coaching career, including snagging eight district titles and a state championship. Last Thursday, January 4th, the Berks Catholic Boys Basketball Coach reached another milestone, his 800th career win, when the Saints defeated Daniel Boone High School.
"I feel pretty good," says Esterly who will be recognized on Thursday at the school. “I’m glad I could do that for them. A lot of ex-coaches and ex-players showed up to the game. Any chance I get to see past players it’s a great time.”
Esterly has been a fixture at Berks Catholic in Reading since the school was created with the merger of Holy Name High School and Reading Central Catholic High School in 2011. He started his coaching career in the 80's at Reading Central Catholic.
The school's Athletic Director, William Hess, describes Esterly as a kind and mild-mannered guy off the court, but focused and fervent inside the hoops arena. "He's fiery when the tip off comes. He is intense as intense can be. He has passion like no one I've ever seen."
Esterly credits his career achievements to the skillful players he has coached and the unwavering support of his family for his career accomplishments, "I have a wife and two kids. I've always asked them if they were okay with me coaching. They always said yes.”
A ceremony honoring Esterly's 800th win will be held at the school in between the varsity girls' and varsity boys' basketball games on Thursday, January 11th. Past and present players and coaches are encouraged to attend. When asked what lies ahead, Esterly said lightheartedly, "retirement!" But he quickly added he has no immediate plans to walk away from the court.
Photo: Bill Hess, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, Berks Catholic High School
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