HR0946 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0946 LRB096 21264 KXB 37332 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Larry McKeon, head football coach at Naperville North High School, on his retirement and success as a football coach, teacher, and mentor throughout the years; and

WHEREAS, Larry McKeon was a standout player at Joliet Catholic High School and the University of Illinois; he began his coaching career at Joliet Catholic as an assistant under legendary coach Gordie Gillespie; and

WHEREAS, Larry McKeon then moved on from Joliet Catholic to a brief yet successful head coaching stint at Plainfield High School, winning 30 games in 5 seasons, leaving the program to become head coach at Naperville North High School; and

WHEREAS, Larry McKeon has been head coach at Naperville North High School for 27 years, and in addition to securing double-digit victories in 12 seasons under Coach McKeon, the Huskies won six DuPage Valley Conference crowns and two State titles in 1992 and 2007 during his tenure; and

WHEREAS, Naperville North has reached three State title games with Coach McKeon, winning the 1992 Class 6A championship with a 21-11 win over Loyola; two years later the Huskies lost to Homewood-Flossmoor in the 6A final, and in 2007 they beat Glenbard North with a 46-19 victory to claim the Class 8A championship; and

WHEREAS, In 27 seasons at the helm, Coach McKeon has guided the Huskies to a 231-71 record and playoff berths in 22 of the last 23 seasons; and

WHEREAS, Coach McKeon has coached amazing talent, including NFL players Chris Brown, Justin McCareins, and Glenn Earl, and, in addition to the NFL talent, Coach McKeon had the privilege to coach his son, Corey, who went on to play linebacker at Nebraska; and

WHEREAS, Being more than just a coach, Larry McKeon has shaped the lives of the young players and students as a teacher, mentor, and role model both on and off the field; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Larry McKeon, head football coach at Naperville North High School, on his retirement and success as a coach, teacher, and mentor; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Larry McKeon and to the Director of Athletics at Naperville North High School as a symbol of our respect and esteem.