Local Coach Neil Alexander Wraps Up 49th Season With Eyes on the Prize - All-Time Coaching Wins Record in Sights
When Lincoln Railsplitters head coach Neil Alexander wrapped up his team's first couple of weeks of play this past weekend, he wasn't giving any thought to the implications of his four wins so far. But those four victories mean that Alexander is now closing in on a milestone: 1,000 coaching wins.
The 71-year-old coach has spent nearly five decades at Lincoln High School and has developed an impressive record of 982-440, with just 18 wins remaining to reach the all-time win total of Gene Pingatore, the state's all-time winningest coach with 1,035 career victories. Alexander is also getting close to breaking Pingatore's mark, sitting only 54 wins shy of his rival.
While some may view this milestone as a significant achievement for a coach nearing retirement, Alexander remains focused on the game he loves. When asked about his thoughts on reaching the 1,000-win threshold, he downplayed its significance, saying, "It's a number... I'm not looking at it one way or another."
However, those around him see things differently. Assistant coach Eric Ewald, who has been with Alexander for 28 years and played in his system as a player, said, "I haven't really stopped and wrapped my brain around the fact that he may very well be the winningest coach in Illinois high school basketball history... To have his name up there with the other greats is something I am pretty thankful to be a part of."
Alexander's love for the game remains strong, even at 71. He said, "I've enjoyed my time here... Our kids are still great kids... They work hard, play hard and accept the system." When asked about his secret to longevity in coaching, Ewald replied, "He has an unbelievable passion for the game... His love for basketball is at the highest level."
A key factor in Alexander's continued success is his ability to adapt to changing rules and trends. He said, "The biggest change in my career was the three-point line... We had to extend our defense." This emphasis on innovation and competition drives Alexander to continue pushing himself as a coach.
As for how much longer he will be coaching, Alexander remains ambivalent, saying, "I take it a day at a time. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, so that's how I've approached life and what we do."
However, the excitement surrounding his team's success suggests that Alexander may still have some years left in him. The introduction of the shot clock this season has sparked new energy for Lincoln High School basketball, with Alexander eager to explore its potential impact on defense.
For Alexander, coaching is more than just a job – it's a passion that continues to fuel his competitive fire at 71.
When Lincoln Railsplitters head coach Neil Alexander wrapped up his team's first couple of weeks of play this past weekend, he wasn't giving any thought to the implications of his four wins so far. But those four victories mean that Alexander is now closing in on a milestone: 1,000 coaching wins.
The 71-year-old coach has spent nearly five decades at Lincoln High School and has developed an impressive record of 982-440, with just 18 wins remaining to reach the all-time win total of Gene Pingatore, the state's all-time winningest coach with 1,035 career victories. Alexander is also getting close to breaking Pingatore's mark, sitting only 54 wins shy of his rival.
While some may view this milestone as a significant achievement for a coach nearing retirement, Alexander remains focused on the game he loves. When asked about his thoughts on reaching the 1,000-win threshold, he downplayed its significance, saying, "It's a number... I'm not looking at it one way or another."
However, those around him see things differently. Assistant coach Eric Ewald, who has been with Alexander for 28 years and played in his system as a player, said, "I haven't really stopped and wrapped my brain around the fact that he may very well be the winningest coach in Illinois high school basketball history... To have his name up there with the other greats is something I am pretty thankful to be a part of."
Alexander's love for the game remains strong, even at 71. He said, "I've enjoyed my time here... Our kids are still great kids... They work hard, play hard and accept the system." When asked about his secret to longevity in coaching, Ewald replied, "He has an unbelievable passion for the game... His love for basketball is at the highest level."
A key factor in Alexander's continued success is his ability to adapt to changing rules and trends. He said, "The biggest change in my career was the three-point line... We had to extend our defense." This emphasis on innovation and competition drives Alexander to continue pushing himself as a coach.
As for how much longer he will be coaching, Alexander remains ambivalent, saying, "I take it a day at a time. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, so that's how I've approached life and what we do."
However, the excitement surrounding his team's success suggests that Alexander may still have some years left in him. The introduction of the shot clock this season has sparked new energy for Lincoln High School basketball, with Alexander eager to explore its potential impact on defense.
For Alexander, coaching is more than just a job – it's a passion that continues to fuel his competitive fire at 71.
, and I'm so stoked he's getting close to those 1k wins 
! He's still super passionate about the game 
and finding ways to innovate and adapt 
. I mean, the guy's been coaching for like, almost five decades 
, but he still has that competitive fire 
burning bright! His secret to longevity? Love for the game 
️, no doubt about it 
. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to coach a team of awesome kids 
who work hard and play hard 
? The energy at Lincoln High School is electric 
️, and I'm loving every minute of it 
! Coach Alexander, you're an inspiration 
to anyone chasing their dreams or passions 
!
What I love about him is that he's not just focused on winning but also on teaching the kids the game he loves 
and I'm pretty sure he'll still be coaching when I'm too old for this tech 
. seriously though, 1,000 wins is no joke, but Neil Alexander seems like the kind of dude who'd rather focus on his team's next game than get all sentimental about it 
.
has anyone tried the jackfruit tacos from that food blog? i mean, i love jackfruit as a meat substitute but the idea of making it into tacos sounds kinda weird 
anyway back to coaches... 1000 wins is insane! like, what even is the deal with records and stuff? doesn't matter how many wins you have if the team isn't having fun 
. Anyway, back to Coach Alexander... 1,000 coaching wins is a big deal! I mean, I'm no basketball expert, but it's impressive that he's been doing this for so long. What's even more inspiring is his attitude towards it - like, who cares about some number, right? 
. I mean, most coaches would've hung up their whistle by now, but not this guy 
. The real win is seein' those kids come through and knowin' that you played a part in shapin' their lives 
.
. Most coaches would be lookin' forward to hangin' up those sweatpants and relaxin', but not Neil 
. That's the mark of a true champion, in my book