Joe Strain

In a school district resplendent with current and former standout coaches, Joe Strain stands out among that group. As one of the city’s legendary coaches, Strain coached at Manual, South and George Washington high schools. He assisted at Manual for five years before taking over the reins at South High School.

Strain’s basketball teams won two titles at South in 1969 and 1970 and another pair at George Washington in 1982 and 1986. Overall, his basketball teams were 297-153 (66.7%). When Strain coached at South from 1963-1977, his teams compiled a 133-123 record over those 14 years. He moved over to George Washington and coached the Patriots from 1977 until his retirement in 1986, compiling a 165—30 mark. His George Washington teams won six City Championships and his teams went 22-5 in seven CHSAA state playoff appearances.

Among the honors garnered throughout Coach Strain’s career were Coach of Year recognition in 1970 and 1982 and induction into the Denver Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990. He maintained his influence with young people after his retirement by assisting with the Metropolitan State College men’s basketball program from 1987-94 and coaching in the Annunciation 8th Grade Basketball Program from 2003-09.

While still coaching high school, during the summers, he coached Legion B baseball, taking a city championship in 1955 and a state title in 1957. Strain also supervised the Epworth Community Center Recreation Program from 1953 until 1962.