Quinn to be AD at Naperville North

Literally and figuratively, Bob Quinn is coming home.

At Monday's Naperville Unit District 203 Board meeting, Quinn was approved to become Naperville North's new athletic director. He replaces Jim Konrad, who stepped down to work in the deans' office so he'll be able to return to coaching soccer.

Quinn, a longtime coach and administrator at Wheaton Warrenville South, spent the last five years as the athletic director at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. Even though he loved the time he spent at his alma mater, Quinn felt it was time to return closer to home.

"I loved everything about Loras College, but I can't keep doing this to myself and my family," Quinn said. "It was kind of my dream job but it's time to bring more balance to my life."

Quinn said he's been living in a Dubuque condo during the week and returning to his Wheaton home on the weekends he's not needed at Loras. Quinn estimates he's made the three-hour drive between Wheaton and Dubuque about 100 times during the last five years.

Quinn may not be returning to WW South, but he's definitely returning to familiar ground in the DuPage Valley Conference. He spent 23 years at Wheaton Central and WW South, including 12 years as the varsity baseball coach and eight as the athletic director.

"The DVC is without question the best league in the state," he said. "It's a challenge, but it's great to be back in it."

While acknowledging it might look a little strange at first to see him in Naperville North gear, Quinn is eager to become reacquainted with the DVC through a former rival.

Quinn's contract doesn't go into effect until July 1, but he's already used the last couple days to become familiar with his new surroundings.

"I'm just excited to be back in the DuPage Valley and excited to be at Naperville North," Quinn said. "I know I'm blessed to have the opportunity to work with the staff over there."

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