IC makes quick transition to Alberts

Four days after Bill Schmidt formally tendered his resignation as Immaculate Conception varsity football coach, the Elmhurst school has named a successor.

Mike Alberts, IC's assistant head coach and offensive coordinator since 2005 and a key part of the program since 2002, was announced Friday by IC principal Pam Levar and athletic director Darren Howard as the Knights' new football coach.

"Obviously, it's a goal that you're going to pursue in your coaching career. It's a little bittersweet because I know in my heart Bill didn't really want to step down," said Alberts, Schmidt's football teammate and roommate at Illinois Wesleyan University.

On Dec. 16 Schmidt resigned effective Jan. 1, 2009, due to the time constraints imposed by his promotion to assistant principal at Jefferson Junior High School in Woodridge.

"You hate to see your own advancement at the expense of somebody you're close to," said Alberts, 33, a 1993 graduate of St. Laurence. "On the other hand it's exciting for me and I'm happy to be able to do it."

Alberts had college coaching positions in Virginia and Iowa before he was installed as Immaculate Conception's defensive coordinator from 2002-04. He immediately contributed to a Class 3A championship team under the late coach Bob Cozzi. Alberts moved to the offensive side of the ball when Schmidt was hired as head coach in 2005.

Alberts, who lives in Evergreen Park with his wife, Kim, and 9-month-old son, Donovan, said Schmidt will be as much a part of the team as possible given his new responsibilities.

Given that in November the Knights decisively won the Class 2A title, Alberts hopes to maintain the status quo as much as possible.

"The seamless transition is the goal," Alberts said. "Most teenagers, and especially athletes, kind of thrive on routine. It makes them comfortable if the routine is the same. We'll ask for the same kind of work ethic."