IADA Hall of Fame

John received his BS degree from the University of Illinois in 1958. During his senior year he served as the captain of the U of I basketball team. He began teaching and was the head boys basketball coach and Ridge Farm High School in 1958. Then from 1959 until 1970 John taught and coached at Dundee High School. During his tenure at Dundee, his was varsity boys basketball coach for twelve years, head cross country coach for eight years, and head golf coach for four years. John began his athletic administration career at Schaumburg High School where he served from 1970 until 1980. In 1980, until his retirement in 1992, John was the director of Student Activities for District 211. His responsibilities included the supervision of all student activities as Palatine, Palatine Fred, Hoffman Estates, Hoffman Estates Conant, and Schaumburg High Schools. John's involvement with the IADA began immediately in 1970 as co-chairman of that year's State Convention. He was the Ad Book Chairman for three years, held the Secretary and Treasurer positions for four years, was NIAAA Liaison for two years, and culminated with the presidency during the 1982-1983 school year. Numerous honors have been bestowed upon John. He was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1980, Elgin Hall of Fame in 1982, Slgin St. Edwards High School Hall of Fame in 1984, and the NIAAA Award of Merit in 1988. "John had a rare experience of opening a new school. He made arrangements with the park districts for fields, gym space and tome slots for athletic events. We had no home events until the early part of 1970. John did an excellent job of bringing everything together during our first year of operation.." states a former Schaumburg principal Carl Weimer. "John is a natural leader. He is modest, yet confident, He is able to motivate other toward the achievement of mutually identified goals. While John was in charge, the five athletic departments in District 211 were run with dignity and class.... a direct reflection of him." states District Kolze.