Fitzgerald named new ACC basketball coach

The Aurora Central Catholic girls basketball team has had three different coaches in as many years.

ACC athletic director Mike Armato's goal when he hired the next coach was to make sure he or she was in it for the long run.

Armato believes he found his man in Mark Fitzgerald, who was officially given the job Wednesday.

"I think if you look at the state of the girls program, it requires TLC," Armato said. "(Mark) is aware of who we are and what we are trying to do. He's warm and caring. The kids and parents will find him extremely approachable. We see him as someone who really cares about the program."

Fitzgerald replaced Fay Griffin, who resigned shortly after the season ended. The Chargers have won just 2 games the last two years.

Armato said there were about 12-14 serious applicants for the job. When Fitzgerald heard about the opening, he thought he had nothing to lose.

This will be the first time Fitzgerald will coach girls basketball at the varsity level. He spent the last 7 seasons coaching the underclass boys at St. Francis, a fellow Suburban Catholic Conference school.

"I always liked (ACC) and the individuals there," Fitzgerald said. "It didn't hurt to take a look to see what could happen (if I applied)."

Fitzgerald has 17 years coaching experience, 10 years at the junior high level. He currently lives in Winfield and will miss coaching the Spartans.

"St. Francis is an absolutely fantastic place," he said.

Fitzgerald said he met the Chargers for the first time Wednesday, and instantly liked his new team.

"I'm totally charged," Fitzgerald said. "I want to bring a lot of the energy to the program."