East Hampton's Petrie retiring

After more than a half-century of coaching high school basketball on Suffolk County's East End, Ed Petrie is retiring. He leaves as the second-winningest boys basketball coach in state history.

"I've been thinking about it for a while," said Petrie, 78, who posted a 754-258 record (.745) in 51 seasons, trailing only Archbishop Molloy's Jack Curran, who has 924 victories and remains active. "And I felt it was the right time."

Petrie coached East Hampton for the last 40 years after spending 10 seasons at Pierson and one at Bridgehampton. He won 20 league titles, three county championships and two state crowns.

"Of course it wasn't easy, but it's time," said Petrie, who told Newsday he notified the East Hampton administration of his decision Sept. 27.

Two years ago, Petrie guided the Bonackers to the Suffolk County championship. Last year, his final one as coach, East Hampton finished 8-10.

Petrie is a member of the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame and the Suffolk County Hall of Fame.