Denver East’s Rudy Carey becomes Colorado’s all-time boys basketball wins leader
By Brad Cochi/CHSAANow.com
Photo: Brad Cochi/CHSAANow
DENVER – There’s a new all-time wins leader in Colorado high school boys basketball history.
With a 93-60 win over Palmer at Denver East High School on Tuesday night, Carey notched the 877th victory of his high school coaching career. That enormous total landed him atop the record books, one career win ahead of Denver Christian coaching legend and longtime record-holder Dick Katte.
“I’m so very thankful to the Manual and East High School communities because this is by no means an individual award or achievement,” Cary said. “It took a lot of people to get here – a lot of people and a lot of years.”
A graduate of Denver East, Carey played at Colorado State and coached as a graduate assistant at Western State and George Washington before taking over the head coaching position at Manual in 1979. He won three state titles at Manual and has won six more since becoming the head coach at Denver East.
Carey’s nine state championships are tied with Ron Vlasin for most all-time in Colorado history. His six titles at Denver East are tied with Faith Christian coach Andrew Hasz for the third most all-time at a single school.
Afterwards, Carey said he was thankful that he and the Angels were able to break the record at home in their own gym instead of on the road.
“It means everything to do it in front of our fans,” Carey said. “We were fortunate that we didn’t win some other games and didn’t lose some. So, it was a blessing in disguise.”
Carey’s resume and reputation as a basketball coach and mentor impresses even Katte, who won eight state championships at Denver Christian. Katte, along with Mayor Michael Hancock and an impressive cast of characters from throughout Carey’s career, was in attendance on Tuesday to watch his friend break his record.
“I’ve known Rudy for a long time and I’ve respected him,” Katte said. “When you think about it, they won’t say your name anymore but that’s OK. I had my day and it was fun. I respect him a lot and I wanted to be here for this win. He always told me, ‘Don’t worry, I’m never going to go that long.’ But he did go that long and it’s good to be here for it.”
Five days prior on Thursday, Colorado’s girls basketball all-time wins leader, Highlands Ranch’s Caryn Jarocki, reached 700 career wins with a victory over Mullen at the Fairview Festival.
