After 33 years at TMP-Marian as a teacher and coach, Joe Hertel will not be returning next year. Hertel’s wife Cindy, through Facebook, made the announcement late Friday.
Hertel took over as head basketball coach in 1985 for the legendary Al Billinger and was an English teacher at the school. He compiled a 467-274 record during his tenure with the Monarchs and guided them to the state tournament nine times including this past season.
Hertel’s teams made four state title game appearances and won the 3A state championship in 2005 and the 4A title in 2007.
Cindy Hertel’s Facebook post:
“I am posting for Joe, who is not on FB: To my students, players and b-ball managers, I am humbled by your support and privileged to have been a part of your life. I value every one of you, and your success is my success. To my students’ parents… thank you for understanding that while I am not Mr. Social 
😊, I am totally committed to helping your child in any way I can. Sometimes that means hard conversations. Your posting here means you support my expectations and also have high expectations for your child. I know he/she will be a success because of you. To my colleagues and friends… I’m am honored to know you. Thank you for seeing the real me. Teachers and coaches, keep fighting the good fight. To my family… this whole thing is a testament to the importance of family, right? To my Lord… I would do it again.
After 33 years of teaching at TMP, Joe was told today that his teaching and coaching contracts will not be renewed next year. He was not given a reason and is “allowed” to finish the school year, which clearly says he has done nothing unethical. Ask TMP graduates if he prepared them for college. Ask his players if he was fair and demanded their best. Yes, he is passionate. Yes, he is direct. Yes, he has high standards. Yes, he loves his Catholic faith. And, TMP, if you are going to treat him this way, you don’t deserve him. P.S. You will find someone to take his spot, but you won’t replace him.”