Clubhouse Chatter: Our writers' favorite prep coach interviews

Clubhouse Chatter is what our columnists and sports writers have to say as they wait for the games to resume. Today's question: Who has been your favorite high school coach to interview, and why?

John Radtke: There have been many over the years, but retired Elgin High girls basketball coach Lee Turek stands out. On or off the record, he was always candid, honest and funny. He built a great program at EHS and was always ready to spend as much time with the media as we wanted.

Orrin Schwarz: So many of the educators we're fortunate to work with so willingly take the time to talk about their student-athletes, making this a difficult question. But when someone goes out of his way to find us after a tough loss — as Lake Park girls basketball coach Brian Rupp, assistant Jeff Henrikson and senior Darrione Rogers did at the Coach Kipp's Hoopsfest Martin Luther King Day weekend at Willowbrook — they go to the head of the class.

Dave Oberhelman: I get something positive out of every high school coach I speak with. However, for needed humor I'd have to go with Geneva football coach Rob Wicinski. The man who hates to punt delivers homespun wit every time.

Johnh Leusch: Way too many to mention. In almost 40 years on the prep beat, I've encountered so many terrific coaches. The best are the ones who actually make you feel comfortable and act as if they really appreciate your questions. And like I said, that list is endless considering all the women and men I've interviewed.

Kevin Schmit: After nearly 30 years it's tough choosing just one. I'm going contemporary with Benet boys basketball coach Gene Heidkamp. What I love is the lack of postgame interview confidence from a coach who never thinks he says anything worthwhile. Then you go back and listen to the recording and everything he says is dead on. It's especially valuable while covering a program as successful as Benet's.