NDCP Honorees at 'LEGENDS FIELD' Dedication September 4, 2015

Blessed Father Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross the religious order from which this high school was founded, emphasized the role of the teacher in the quality of the schooling of young men. "Teaching is a call from God .... Teachers are life models for young people".

These Notre Dame College Prep 'Legend Honorees' were and are true educators according to the vision set by Father Moreau. Their teaching was rooted in faith. Notre Dame, Our Lady, was their patroness and guide. As teachers and coaches, they all possessed a passion for excellence they successfully instilled in the students they served.

As such, these great men honored here today served as life models for the Dons, the Gentlemen of Mary, of Notre Dame College Prep. We are a better school and better people for having been touched by their presence.

Rev. George Wiskirchen CSC: (1955 - 1972) Teacher, Marching Band and Jazz Band

Father George Wiskirchen began his teaching career at Notre Dame High School for Boys at its opening in 1955. He established what was to become a nationally revered jazz education program for high schools The Melodons always swung hard and usually took the first place ribbon in competitions. Alumni of the band include our own RJO Orchestra, Grammy winners Jim McNeely ‘67 and Jim Pankow ‘65 of the band Chicago. While teaching here, Father Wiskirchen received a master's degree in musical education from Northwestern University, writing his thesis on jazz education. In 1972, Father Wiskirchen returned to the to direct the University's jazz band and assist their marching band. He died on May 17, 2005 at 77 years of age. He will always be known as Duke Ellington and Count Basie referred to him, the “Swinging Padre.”

Joe Yonto (1957 - 1964) Head Varsity Football Coach Coach Joseph F. Yonto played football under Coach at the University of Notre Dame. He went on to coach high school football for 16 years, including 7 years at Notre Dame High School for Boys. It was a privilege to be coached by . He defined what the Notre Dame Dons’ teams are known for both then and now. Yonto preached focus, dedication, discipline and teamwork. These principles were at the heart of the Notre Dame teams. The upstart Dons claimed three straight Chicago Suburban Catholic League titles from 1960-62, including a perfect undefeated season in '61. Alums he coached remember his lessons to this day. In 1964 Coach Yonto returned to the University of Notre Dame, first as a defensive line coach under , and then a defensive coordinator under . He had a hand in in 3 national championships and coached many All-Americans. Joe passed away in August of 2008 and his players established an endowed scholarship in his name. Jack Cole (1957 - 1994) Asst. Varsity Football Coach, Track & Field Coach, and PE Teacher

Coach Cole was born in Evanston, educated at Maine Township High School, then went to the University of Kansas on a football scholarship for two years before joining the United States Marine Corps. Besides coaching football and track where he established the “Don Relays,” Jack taught physical education. The Notre Dame community was shocked when Coach Jack Cole passed away on August 17, 1994 just days before he was to begin his 38th year of service to NDHS.

Coach Jack Cole was accessible to all students daily and influenced everyone who crossed his path. Possibly it was his joyful smile, or his love for practical jokes. Coach Jack was a man of faith who connected with Dons during gym class and during football or track practice. He had a strong love for the Blessed Mother, and a strong belief in God.

Mr. Jack Cole was posthumously inducted into the East Suburban Catholic Hall of Fame in 2009.

Bill Casey (1958 - 1994) Head Varsity Football Coach, Athletic Director and Head Swimming Coach.

Coach Emmet William Casey wore many hats well. He was the varsity football coach, athletic director and head swimming coach. He served Notre Dame for 35 years (1958 - 1994) before losing his battle with Hodgkin's disease at 57 years old. Appropriately, his wake was held in our chapel.

In 1958, Coach Bill Casey started as a biology teacher then became an assistant swimming coach. During his time as the head swimming coach he coached conference qualifiers without a pool. He was a football coach for 20 years. In 1981, while head football coach he took the Dons to an ESCC Varsity Football Championship & State Playoff Qualifier. He established the Northwest Coaches Clinic Association in 1978. Bill was an instrumental member of the Illinois Athletic Director’s Association and National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. He was chairman of the IHSA Committee on Host School Finances. He was Athletic Director, 1982- 1994 and expanded the athletic program to 13 Varsity Sports.

Notre Dame was a second home to him. Coach Bill was a quiet giant. His family stays close to us by funding a scholarship in his name. A Notre Dame legend for sure.

Tony Kozole (1963 - 2006) Head Track & Field Coach , Asst. Coach for Football and Basketball, and Social Studies Teacher

Coach Kozole was raised in his beloved Detroit. After receiving his bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Notre Dame, he came to Niles in 1963 and taught in the Social Studies Department until retiring in 2006. He also coached football, track and basketball, so his personal touch reached countless Dons over the years. An expert in interpersonal communication, a great motivator and mentor, he is a “go to guy” for teachers and students alike. He is an ideal role model for young Dons and a buddy to all older Dons. The Fran Willett/ Tony Kozole Annual Scholarship honors the two long-time coaches and teachers.

He has been the voice of the Dons' football and basketball teams for many years and still teaches periodically today. He is one of Notre Dame's treasures. Fran Willett (1964 - 1995) Head Varsity Football Coach, Athletic Director, Tennis Coach, Golf Coach and Drafting Teacher

Francis Willett began his coaching & teaching career in 1964, succeeding Joe Yonto as head varsity football coach. In just twelve years, his teams amassed 73 wins, 32 losses and 4 ties, plus three undefeated conference championships (1966, 1967 & 1969). “The Silver Fox” also served as the Dons' Athletic Director for ten years.

In 1975, Coach Fran left football, but returned in 1976 to the become the school's golf coach. In 1982, Fran Willett was elected into the IHSA Coaches Hall of Fame. In 1986, Coach Willett became the Dons' freshman football coach; and in 1990 he took over varsity tennis.

Fran Willett had the substance of which legends are made. Known for his ability to motivate young men, Fran was loved, respected and always colorful and honest. After 38 years of service to Notre Dame, Coach Francis Willett passed on May 3, 1995, at the age of 71. He is remembered fondly by those who still grew under his direction.

Jim Meyer - (1962 - 1985) for Track & Field, Cross Country, and Ice Hockey, Asst. Coach for Basketball and Baseball, and Math Teacher

A graduate of Fenwick High School and St. Norbert College, Jim Meyer joined the staff at Notre Dame in 1962 as a Mathematics teacher and head coach in both Cross Country and Track & Field. As the “stats man” for football and basketball he was always in demand.

Under his leadership, the Dons captured six consecutive Suburban Catholic Conference championships in Track & Field from 1963 -1968. Later in his coaching career he guided the 1976 Ice Hockey team to the Varsity AHAI State Championship with a team that finished the season ranked 7th nationally; a very rare accomplishment. An excellent speaker, motivator, always entertaining affectionately known as “Cat Man” Jim held center court at many pep rallies.

Mike Hennessey - (1985 - 2015*) Head Varsity Football Coach and Athletic Director

A native of Chicago’s Northwest side, Coach Mike was raised by a father who loved sports and constantly encouraged him to participate. He played football for the Gordon Tech High Rams and later at Knox College in Galesburg. His mentor Tom Winiecki knew early on that Mike would be a great coach. In 1987 he became the Dons head coach, as he is tonight. The Dons finished second in the state in Hennessey's second season and have competed in the state playoffs fifteen times in his 30 years here. Hennessey became Athletic Director when Bill Casey died in 1994. In 2010, Coach Mike was inducted into the E.S.C.C. Hall of Fame and in 2012 entered The Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Coach Mike competes hard and with great intensity. His teams are tough and hard-nosed. Making his points in private, not in public, he is one of the classiest coaches in the conference and his teams and opposing coaches love and respect him. Known for his laid back style in the halls he is a fierce competitor under the lights.Coach Hennessey was recognized for excellence in coaching & the Catholic faith, by being named the Sports Faith Hall of Fame 2014 High School Coach of the Year; presented to him by Pat McCaskey ‘67 and the Chicago Bears.

Mike Jankowski - (1992 - 2015*) Football, Cross Country, Track & Field Head Coach and Art Teacher

Mike Jankowski is in his 23rd year teaching visual arts to Notre Dame H.S. students. Additionally, he has served in many co-curricular capacities as a cross country, track & field, and football coach plus class council moderator.

He been involved in all levels of football as an offensive line coach and as head freshman and sophomore football coach. As Head Track Coach for over 15 years, Mike Jankowski's teams have won conference titles on the varsity and frosh-soph levels, while sending dozens of competitors to the State Track Finals. In 2010 he received the Chicago Archdiocese Distinguished Service award. Coach Mike is another ND Legend who by his example shows the community what commitment to the Dons is all about.