Long-Time BYU Coach and Administrator Pete Witbeck Passes Away

PROVO -- Former BYU coach and athletic administrator Pete Witbeck passed away today in Provo. He was 81-years old.

During his 47 years at BYU, Whitbeck served as senior associate athletic director and men’s basketball assistant coach. He also served as the athletics compliance officer, working to ensure BYU observed NCAA rules.

After earning a bachelor's and master's degree from BYU, Witbeck joined the BYU physical education faculty in 1954. Three years later, he became the university's first freshmen basketball coach. Over his six-year tenure his teams went 62-9.

In 1962, Stan Watts elevated him to assistant head coach and gave him responsibility for game planning and coordinating the offense, in addition to his continued role over recruiting.

In 1964, Witbeck won the Dale Rex Memorial trophy, awarded to the person who has contributed the most to amateur sports in Utah. He was later inducted into BYU's Hall of Fame for his contributions as assistant coach to Stan Watts on the BYU basketball team that won the 1966 NIT tournament, which was recognized as college basketball's national championship.

In addition to his role as coach, recruiter and compliance officer, Witbeck participated in scheduling for football and men's basketball, helping to bring such high profile programs as Miami, Penn State and Notre Dame to Provo. Witbeck also served as the game manager for football and men's basketball.

His funeral is Friday, May 14 through Berg Mortuary. Click here to read his obituary.