South Jersey coaching legend Joe Kessler retires after 37 seasons at Shawnee

One of the most successful coaches in South Jersey basketball history has retired.

Joe Kessler made the announcement earlier this week after 37 seasons as the head boys’ basketball coach at Shawnee High School. He also retired from his teaching position in the mathematics department after 44 years in the district.

Kessler finished with a career record of 744-276, fifth best in South Jersey history behind Paul Rodio (St. Augustine, 1,028), Paul Collins (Willingboro/Riverside/Burlington City, 803), Clarence Turner (Camden, 775) and John Valore (Cherry Hill East/Camden/Cumberland/Holy Cross, 753). Kessler’s win total ranks 10th all-time in New Jersey history.

"Joe's done it for a long time and as much success as he's had during his career, he's always been humble," Rancocas Valley head coach Jay Flanagan said. "His teams reflected his calm demeanor."

Kessler was inducted into the South Jersey Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011. He guided Shawnee to six state titles and a Tournament of Champions crown in 1992. His teams won 19 Olympic Conference titles and 12 South Jersey titles.

Tom McGurk is a regional sports reporter for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and Burlington County Times, covering South Jersey sports for over 30 years. If you have a sports story that needs to be told, contact him at (856) 486-2420 or email tmcgurk@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @McGurkSports. Help support local journalism with a digital subscription.