Joe Michalka

Joe Michalka started his coaching career at Monterey High School in 1960 as assistant coach under Coach Gerald Myers. He worked with Monterey Basketball for 23 years, and served as their head coach from 1967-1983. Under his leadership, the Plainsmen compiled a record of 338 wins and 167 losses. During his tenure, Monterey went two and half seasons without a district loss and three seasons without a home court defeat. He had 14 consecutive winning seasons, leading Monterey to eight district championships and advancing to the regional playoffs five times. Twenty-four of his players played NCAA basketball, including Lubbock ISD Hall of Honor alum, Craig Ehlo. Coach Michalka received coach of the year honors in ’71, ’72, ’75, ‘78, ’79, and ’80.

In 1999, Texas A&M University-Commerce named him an Outstanding Alumni Coach. Additionally, he was chosen as the first Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Director from his region and was the regional representative for the Texas High School Coaches Association. In addition to coaching, he taught physical education. He still adheres to the philosophy that “defense wins games, and offense loses games.”