Gene Pingatore (1936-2019) was an American basketball coach, known for his long and storied career at St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois. He coached the team for 50 consecutive seasons, from 1969 until his death, becoming the winningest coach in the state's high school basketball history with a final record of 1,035 wins. Under his leadership, the Chargers won two IHSA state championships, in 1986 and 2015. Pingatore is also noted for coaching numerous talented players, including Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas. He gained international visibility through the award-winning 1994 documentary *Hoop Dreams*, which highlighted his role as both a coach and a mentor. For his achievements and his lasting impact on the sport, he was inducted into several Halls of Fame, including the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential figures in American high school basketball.