Dick Katte
Denver Christian High School
Impact Statement
“He has set the standard for high school basketball in the state of Colorado.” — Rudy Carey, East coach
Biography
With a 77-60 victory over Lafayette Peak Academy Feb. 20, Katte, 71, Colorado’s all-time leading winner, earned his 800th career victory. He is in his 44th season and is the 10th active coach in the nation to do so. His career record is 803-205 and his teams have won seven state titles, most recently back-to-back Class 3A crowns in 2005 and 2006. He also has a record 22 Denver Metro League crowns even though he hasn’t had a Division 1 player on his roster in 26 years.
A seven-time Coach of the Year selection by the Colorado High School Coaches Association, Katte was inducted into theirHall of Fame in 1999, the Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in 2000 and the National Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame in 2005.
Currently Denver Christian’s assistant principal, Katte was the school’s athletic director for 35 years and also served brief stints as head coach of its football, baseball and track and field teams. He was the Dave Sanders Colorado Coach Award honoree in 2000. The Dave Sanders award was named in honor as the teacher and coach lost his life during the mass shooting at Columbine High School.
Since being honored, Katte continued to lead Denver Christian for another few years until his retirement in 2012. He finished with a career record of 873-233, which is tops in Colorado.
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