TULARE, Calif. (KFSN) — When it comes to coaching boys’ basketball, Coach Mark Hatton has been around the block. “I couldn’t see myself doing anything else,” he said.
With 25 of his 34 seasons spent coaching the Tulare Union Tribe, it’s easy to call this place home. Especially when the people at home are at work too. Mark’s wife, Diana, is the school’s athletic director. Their son, Wyatt, is in his final year — playing basketball and golf under the guidance of his dad.
“It’s the time I get to spend with him,” Mark said. “I’ve got him in a couple of classes. I see him in the morning during the day. We’re either in the gym or at the golf course, and that’s our relationship.”
Being the coach’s son comes with high expectations. The Tribe is off to another great start this season. Coach Hatton is pushing his team to a 17-1 record before hitting league play.
“When it’s game time, he’s (Mark) in that mode,” says Brayden Stevenson. “He’s strong on us.”
A win last month against his alma mater, Mt. Whitney, made Coach Hatton the winningest head coach in Central Section history. That’s 579 wins and counting.
“It feels like I’m old,” Mark said. “It’s quite an accomplishment for my family and all the players that have played before me.”
Coach has plenty more wins up his sleeve.
“Another 120,” a player said. “He won’t retire for a long time. I don’t think he really is working. I think he’s enjoying this so much that he’s not working a day in his life.”
https://abc30.com/post/good-sports-tulare-union-basketball-coach-breaks-win-record/18378277/
