MUSKEGON — Pete Kutches, one of the greatest athletes and coaches in U.P. sports history, passed away Wednesday at age 85.

Born and raised in Escanaba, Kutches attended Escanaba Public Schools, graduating from Escanaba St. Joseph Catholic School.

He was a three-sport athlete, earning All-American and all-state accolades in basketball, and was also all-state in football. Kutches was the first athlete from Michigan to play in the North-South High School All-American basketball game in Murray, Ky.

Kutches then attended the University of Wyoming, where he played three sports after earning a football scholarship. He graduated from Wyoming in 1956, after he played in the NIT college basketball tournament, the College Baseball World Series and in the Sun Bowl. He had a contract with the San Francisco 49ers, but was drafted into the U.S. Army.

Kutches became the first football coach in Michigan to lead two different schools to state championships.

He led Muskegon Catholic Central to Class B state titles in 1980 and 1982, and runner-up in 1981. He finished with a 40-5 record in four seasons.

Then in 1992, Kutches led Reeths-Puffer to a 13-0 record and its lone Class A state championship. He coached a combined 15 seasons between the two schools, finishing with a 126-25 record and three state titles.

Kutches was inducted into the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame in 1975. He was also inducted into the University of Wyoming Hall of Fame, the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame.

Kutches married Barbara O’Donnell Sept. 29, 1956, and they remained together for 62 years.

Kutches is survived by Barbara, and their five children, plus 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. His sister, Judde Snyder of Escanaba, is also a survivor.

Visitation for Kutches is 5-8 p.m. Sunday at The Lee Chapel in Muskegon. A scripture service will be held at 7 p.m.