It was Dan Batka Night at West Aurora High Friday, Jan. 21.
Batka, a Batavia resident and West boys varsity assistant coach since 2009, was saluted for his induction into the Illinois Basketball Association Hall of Fame as a career coach and impending retirement.
In an on-court ceremony prior to the West Aurora-Romeoville game, Batka was lauded in remarks by West Aurorahead coach Brian Johnson and received an achievement plaque. Johnson said Batka was recognized for his induction to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a career coach in April. Additionally, the event honored Batka on his scheduled retirement from coaching after the season.
Asked to stand by Johnson during his remarks were Batka’s wife Kari, son Brock and Brock’s fiance Samantha. Blackhawk players gathered around Batka on the court following the ceremony.
According to Johnson, Batka’s career accomplishments included 506 coaching victories. At West Aurora, he helped the Blackhawks win four sectional championships, eight regional championships, and four conference championships.
Prior to West, Batka served as head varsity coach at Lake Park High School from 1997 to 2007; head freshmen A coach for a season and head sophomore coach for four seasons at Proviso West from 1992 to 1997; and freshmen B and head sophomore coach at Conant High from 1990 to 1992.
West Aurora came from behind at halftime to win, 57-49.
—Al Benson