News Summary

Junction City, Oregon, mourns the loss of Craig Rothenberger, who impacted high school basketball for over 52 years. Known for his coaching excellence and community spirit, Rothenberger’s legacy includes 715 career wins and the establishment of a dedicated basketball camp. After a battle with cancer, he is remembered fondly by players, family, and friends. His influential coaching career and family ties to basketball have left an indelible mark on the sport in Oregon.

Junction City Loses a Basketball Legend

Junction City, Oregon, is mourning the loss of a true basketball icon. Craig Rothenberger, who dedicated an incredible 52 years to the world of high school basketball, passed away on May 28 at the age of 78. His significant impact on the sport in Oregon cannot be overstated.

A Career That Spanned Over Five Decades

Rothenberger found his calling in coaching back in the early ’70s, starting at Tillamook Catholic from 1970 to 1973. After that, he returned to his roots, coaching at Nestucca High School from 1976 to 1980, the very school from which he graduated in 1965. But perhaps most famously, he took the reins at Junction City High School, where he served for 43 remarkable years from 1981 until his retirement in 2023. His tenure at Junction City is one of the longest at a single high school in Oregon, making his mark as a pillar of the community.

Impressive Coaching Record

With a coaching record of 715 wins and 520 losses, Rothenberger holds the distinguished title of the No. 3 coach in Oregon high school basketball history based on career victories. At Junction City alone, he achieved an impressive 615 wins against 429 losses. During his successful coaching career, Rothenberger led his teams to heights that many only dream of, including a Class 3A state championship in 1994 and state runner-up finishes in 2004 and 2022. In total, he clinched seven league championships.

A Recognition of Excellence

In 2012, his hard work and dedication were recognized when he was awarded the NFHS National Coach of the Year. Additionally, he earned the title of Oregon 3A Athletic Director of the Year in 1996. After hanging up his coaching whistle, Junction City High School commemorated his remarkable contributions by naming their basketball court “Craig Rothenberger Court.” This heartfelt gesture was celebrated by many community members, family, friends, and former players who gathered for the court-naming ceremony.

More Than Just Wins

Rothenberger had a philosophy that went beyond simply winning games. His greatest joy came from providing positive experiences for the young athletes he coached. He co-founded a youth basketball camp aptly named the Craig Rothenberger Basketball Camp, which has provided healthy development and skills training for aspiring players for the last 40 years.

A Family Legacy

Rothenberger’s family legacy in basketball runs deep. He coached not only two of his sons but also four of his grandchildren during his illustrious career. This connection to basketball has continued through his son, Bart, who has followed in his father’s footsteps as a high school basketball coach. Together, Craig and Bart comprise the winningest father-son coaching duo in Oregon history, with a combined total of over 1,100 wins. Bart made a notable debut by leading his team to a remarkable 23-4 record in his first season and even made it to the Class 4A state final.

Final Chapters

Sadly, Craig Rothenberger had been fighting a battle with pancreatic cancer after his retirement earlier this year in January. Despite this personal struggle, his contributions to high school basketball in Oregon leave behind a lasting imprint. Rothenberger promoted the idea of finding joy in work. He often expressed that he never felt like he had a job, declaring he never went to work a day in his life.

Remembering a Legacy

As memories of Rothenberger linger, the community of Junction City will forever be grateful for the passion, dedication, and love he shared with the game of basketball and his players.

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