Legendary Coach William "Red" Schmitt

[Greenskin]

I remember him well from my high school wrestling days at Pekin. He was a classy soft spoken man that deserved respect. RIP and thanks for the memories..

[Southern_Hospitality]

William “Red” Schmitt of Alton, the longtime Granite City High School coach, passed away Saturday afternoon. He was 94.

Schmitt, affectionately known as “Schmitty,” was regarded as one of the top wrestling coaches in the nation for his work at Granite City High School from 1950 to 1985.

Schmitt’s GCHS Warriors captured the 1965 IHSA state wrestling championhship, marking the first time a team outside of Chicago had won a state wrestling crown. His first three teams at Granite City were undefeated.

Schmitt was the first wrestling coach in the country to reach 500, 600 and 700 career wins. He is a member of numerous national, state and regional wrestling Halls of Fame.

Schmitt was honored by the annual Granite City High Christmas wrestling tournament that bears his name.

Since his retirement, Schmitt continued to stay active, was an avid runner and hiker and could be seen taking in the trails at parks around the area. He also remained in contact with many of his former students and student-athletes.