Walz to step down following 2026-27 season

Highly successful Wisconsin Lutheran boys' basketball coach Ryan Walz plans to step down from his coaching position at the Woodland West Conference school following the 2026-27 season, the school announced today.

Walz, who has been the head coach of the Vikings' program the past 18 years, guided Wisconsin Lutheran to five WIAA state championships. He has directed the Vikings to an 88-2 record and three state titles in a row over the past three seasons -- a Division 2 title and 30-0 record in 2024 following by Division 1 crowns in 2025 (28-2) and 2026 (30-0). Walz also was on the sidelines for Wisconsin Lutheran's Division 2 championships in 2009 and 2014.

During his tenure at Wisconsin Lutheran, Walz owns 372 victories against just 98 setbacks for a winning percentage of 79 percent.

The winner of the past two Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Coach of the Year honors in the state, Walz learned the game from his father, former Lakeside Lutheran and Wisconsin Lutheran coach Dale Walz.

Ryan Walz was a standout guard for Wisconsin Lutheran in the 1990s, playing for his father on the Vikings' 1991-92 squad that lost to Marquette 60-59 in the WISAA Division 1 state quarterfinals.

His decision to step down at this point in his career wasn't an easy one, but Walz seems to be at ease with his plans for the future.

“We developed a plan a couple of years ago for me to eventually step away, and I believe the time is right for someone else to lead the program,” Walz said in a press release from the school. “I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve God through coaching at WLHS and for the privilege of working with so many outstanding student-athletes, families, and coaches over the years. I look forward to enjoying one final season and then continuing to serve the WLHS community as a physical education teacher.”

Following the conclusion of the 2026–27 season, C.L. Whiteside will succeed Walz as coach at Wisconsin Lutheran. Whiteside has served the Vikings program for 15 years, most recently as the varsity assistant coach. Having worked alongside Walz for many years, Whiteside brings a deep understanding of the values and standards that have defined Wisconsin Lutheran basketball.

“What Ryan has cultivated here is special. And more importantly, he's shaped it with the right priorities,” says Whiteside. “I'm honored by the opportunity to become the next head coach, but right now I'm focused on being present and appreciating this season alongside Ryan. After so many years learning from him, I'm dedicated to carrying forward the
culture he upheld — the pursuit of excellence without chasing personal credit and keeping our identity and worth rooted in Christ, not the outcome of a game or season.”