STAUNTON, Va – Legendary former Robert E. Lee High School boys basketball head coach Paul Hatcher died yesterday morning at Augusta Health following an extended illness. He was 80.

Hatcher coached the Leemen for 43 years before retiring October 10, 2011. During those four-plus decades, he compiled an astounding record of 897-174 for an .838 winning percentage.

The 897 victories still stand as the state record for public schools.

He also won four state championships and the gym was named in his honor.

Steve Cox, who recently opened City-County Sports on Facebook, was one of the first to report that news.