A visit to Tim Whipple’s office at Irmo High School reveals a testament to his 39-year basketball coaching legacy. 
   Three of his 5 state title trophies won at the school along with pictures of former teams and players are among the prominent items present there. 
   What’s not present yet is something commemorative to recognize Whipple’s latest achievement. 
   On Jan. 11, Irmo defeated Blythewood 46-45 to earn the longtime boys’ basketball coach his 750th career win. The dramatic victory, which aired on WACH 57, helped solidify Whipple’s position as the 2nd winningest boys’ basketball coach in state history behind Great Falls’ John Smith.
   “That’s not something I really reflect on during the year,” Whipple said. “But afterwards, when I look back, it’s just like when we had our undefeated season 4 years ago. I think about how hard it is to not only get to a state championship game, but to be undefeated and get to a state championship game. 
   “So, I reflect on those things and I think about these guys that are true legends in high school basketball in South Carolina and I can be mentioned in the same categories as them. It’s certainly a credit to the extremely talented basketball players I’ve been able to coach over the years and the extremely talented coaches that I’ve been able to work with. So they share in those accomplishments.”

   Whipple added to his win total Tuesday with the win over Lugoff-Elgin. 
   During Whipple’s career, he has led the Yellow Jackets to 17 region titles and 9 state title appearances. This includes back-to-back appearances in 2017 and 2018 in the Class 5A final. 
   Whipple acknowledged his energy level has diminished over the years and the off-seasons are even more vital to rejuvenating his coaching juices. While he does not have a set timetable for retirement is set, Whipple plans to continue on the sidelines as long as it’s viable. 
   “As long as I have players that can share my passion for the game of basketball, then I want to be a part of it,” Whipple said. “I don’t want to be one of these people who hang around too long and end up having a problem, but I do think as long as I can contribute and help these players grown both on the court, but off the court, then that’s something that’s worth staying around for. 
   “Whether it’s 1 year or 3-4 years, I’ll know that when the time comes.”
S.C. HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE 
ALL-TIME CAREER COACHING

WINS IN BOYS BASKETBALL

1. John Smith (Great Falls) - 943
2. Tim Whipple (Irmo) - 751
3. Taft Watson (Terrell’s Bay) - 742
4. Zam Fredrick (Calhoun County) - 724
5. Louie Golden (Southside) - 699
6. Chip Atkins (Barnwell, Lower Richland) - 637
7. Bailey Harris (Lexington) - 628
8. Doug Lowe (Spartanburg) - 626