Peter Krull Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School – University of Central Florida 2025 WBCA Hall of Fame Inductee – Player

In the 1970’s growing up in a small town meant one thing from November to March. You attended high school basketball games twice a week. At that time Wittenberg-Birnamwood had a great basketball team so the gym was packed. People came early to get a seat. Pete Krull was part of that success. Pete was raised in Birnamwood, a small town in Central Wisconsin, the second child of Lyle and LaVonne Krull. He had an older sister and a younger brother and sister. Basketball was always part of his life. His dad played on the state basketball team in 1953. Pete attended many basketball camps while in Junior High School – Don Gosz Campion and Al McGuire basketball camps. It was at these camps that he excelled in sports. Pete was on the varsity roster as a freshman. He had limited playing time but learned a lot about the game. His coach, Eddie Poock, believed in him and started him as a sophomore. The rest, as they say, is history. During his high school career, he earned many awards: Multiple Channel 7, Channel 9, and Channel 5 All-Star, 1st Team All-Conference for three years, 1st Team All-State, made the All-Wisconsin High School Basketball Team, and was also a high school All-American. He played in the state tournament in 1975, earning a silver ball. He ended his high school career with a record of 84-6 and totaling 1,624 points in his three years as a starter and without the 3-point line. There were multiple college offers, but Pete decided to play for Division II Florida Technological University, now known as the University of Central Florida, under head coach Gene “Torchy” Clark. In college he became an even better ball player and contributed to the team’s success. His team was part of the Final-Four teams in the Division II National Tournament in 1978. He played alongside many great players with whom he is still in touch. It was hard for him to leave Wisconsin to go to Florida, but it was one of the best experiences of his life. He graduated in 1980 and ended his career with a 178-25 record. After college, Pete accepted a teaching job at Marshall High School. During his 25 years there, he coached football and basketball along with being athletic director. He also umpired many baseball games. Pete married Sharon in 1978, and they raised four children – Becky, Jon, Jeremy, and Nick. Pete and Sharon were very proud of their children’s accomplishments in the classroom and in sports. Pete is thankful to his parents and wife for the support they gave him throughout his basketball career. His parents made several trips to Florida to watch him play. Unfortunately, his dad passed away last year. He would have been so proud to see him receive this recognition. Pete also gives credit to his coaches Eddie and Torchy, both of whom have passed away. They would have been proud of this achievement as well. Pete is honored to have been selected to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Congratulations, Peter, as the WBCA welcomes you into their 2025 Hall of Fame as a “Player.”