Former Kettle Moraine coach Richert announces return to coaching

Just when longtime Milwaukee-area high school basketball coach Brian Richert thought he was out, the game pulled him back in.

>Richert announced on Facebook on July 29 he will return to coaching at the helm of Watertown High School's boys program. His announcement said he is eager to bring his "Dawg mentality" to a program coming off a 5-20 season and has not won more than five games in any individual season since 2021-22.

>"It's time to stop the excuses and get them to play tougher than they ever played before," Richert's post read in part.

>Richert added he is excited to bring his son Brennan with him to Watertown, echoing Brian's own upbringing in coaching with his father Gary.

>"So excited to have my son beside me as we attack this challenge together," Richert's post continued.

>He had previously announced his retirement after 37 years in coaching in May, the last three of which came at Kettle Moraine. His tenure with the Lasers was highlighted by a 25-4 season in 2023-24 that culminated in a WIAA state tournament appearance. The following season, Richert led KM to 26 consecutive wins before a sectional semifinal loss to Sun Prairie East.

>His career has also included stops at Ripon College, St. John's Northwestern, Waukesha County Technical College and New Berlin West High School. In the midst of his tenure at SJNW from 2003 to 2010, Richert led the Lancers to the program's first and only WIAA state tournament appearance in 2006.

>Watertown's athletic director did not respond to a request for comment on the matter, which Richert said would be formally announced by the school July 30.

>This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former Kettle Moraine coach Richert announces return to coaching