HR0513 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0513 LRB103 35383 MST 65448 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of John "Jack" Leese, who passed away on September 30, 2023; and

WHEREAS, John Leese was born on April 26, 1931 and grew up in Chicago; he graduated from Lane Tech High School in 1949; he served in the United States Marine Corps; he attended Wright Junior College before he graduated from Northwestern University; and

WHEREAS, John Leese's wrestling coaching career began as an assistant coach under Walt Sherman at Glenbrook North High School; he then moved to Leyden High School as an assistant coach under Hall of Fame coach Chuck Farina; and

WHEREAS, John Leese became the first full time announcer for the Illinois State High School Association wrestling state meet and held that role for five years, which included announcing the Big Ten Championships and the United States versus Russia meet; and

WHEREAS, John Leese worked as a physical education teacher at East Leyden High School for 27 years, retiring after the 1989-1990 school year; and

WHEREAS, John Leese started as the East Leyden head football coach in 1963, leading the team to a 6 and 2 season and winning the Des Plaines Valley League championship; his team continued winning the title each year from 1970 to 1974, with his 1972 team being named Team of the Year by Chicago Today; and

WHEREAS, John Leese had an incredible record of only one losing season in 1964 in his 15 years as head coach, ending his final season with a perfect 13-0 in 1977 at Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University; and

WHEREAS, John Leese coached many athletes over the years; his most famous alumnus was three-time Super Bowl-winning Head Coach Mike Shanahan, and more than 50 of his former players became high school and college coaches in football and wrestling; and

WHEREAS, John Leese retired from wrestling in 1991, but he continued helping student athletes; he volunteered at the IHSA wrestling state finals up until 2022; and

WHEREAS, John Leese received numerous honors throughout his career, including induction into the Lane Tech Hall of Fame (2022-2023), the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame (2015), the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Hall of Fame, the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the Illinois Chapter of National Wrestling Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, John Leese leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment that continues to inspire student athletes and help them achieve their goals and dreams, and his impact on the lives of student athletes and the East Leyden community will never be forgotten; and

WHEREAS, John Leese is survived by his wife, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John "Jack" Leese and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John Leese as an expression of our deepest sympathy.