STC's Night of Legends will honor 3 special coaches
As if two St. Charles East-St. Charles North varsity basketball games (girls and boys) aren't enough, there's more to look forward to Saturday at St. Charles North.
Between the 4 p.m. girls game and scheduled 6 p.m. boys contest (at approximately 5:45 p.m.), three longtime coaches who helped solidify the St. Charles basketball program for nearly 40 years will be honored for their contributions.
"We're calling it 'The Night of Legends,' said St. Charles North varsity assistant coach Rob Prentiss, one of the event's organizers.
The legendary trio includes Hall of Fame coach Ron Johnson and assistant coaches Jim Parker (1968-2002) and Chuck Rachow (1966-1994).
"Generations and generations of young men and their families have been impacted by these three guys," said Prentiss, who began his coaching career at St. Charles in 1982.
"We're honoring three legends that created the tradition of St. Charles basketball," said St. Charles North varsity basketball coach Tom Poulin, who played for Johnson, Parker and Rachow in the late 1980s/early 1990s.
"They're special people, all three of them."
While most area high school basketball followers are aware of Johnson's list of accomplishments, which includes 710 career victories (he ranks 12th on the IHSA's all-time list), 20 regional titles and a pair of sectional championships, Parker and Rachow may be a little less familiar to some.
"Outside of St. Charles, a lot of people don't know Jim and Chuck but they're legends in their own right," said Prentiss.
"What got us thinking about this night is that of the six guys on the (basketball coaching) staff at St. Charles North, three of them played under Ron, Jim and Chuck. "And I, as a young coach, was mentored by them."
As was Poulin.
"I really credit Coach Parker for teaching me the fundamentals of the game," said Poulin. "You don't always realize what's important at the time because as a player you wanted to dunk or make that behind-the-back pass. I never thought that would be the case for me, but man was he right.
"And I don't know if I enjoyed the game more than when I played on the sophomore team for Coach Rachow. He taught you little things on how to win games and his love of the game rubbed off on you. You loved playing for the guy."
Prentiss relishes his time spent coaching with the trio.
"Jim's a tremendous coach who was a taskmaster but knew the game as well as anybody I coached with," said Prentiss, who also serves as the North Stars' boys golf coach. "Chuck has been a big influence in my life. For some reason, he took a special interest in me as a young coach. He's a former high school golf coach (1960s-70s) so we both share a passion for golf. He's become a special friend."
As for Johnson, Prentiss can't say enough about him.
"I just call him a prince," he said. "You can't find anybody who doesn't like Ron Johnson. It was nothing but an honor and privilege to work for him."
As a "green" assistant, Prentiss recalls the first time he ever scouted for Johnson.
"I was so nervous because I wanted to make the perfect scouting report," he said. "I couldn't sleep that night."
The honorees are just thrilled to be remembered.
"It feels really nice to be honored with Ron and Chuck," said Parker, who cherishes his 34 years spent teaching math and coaching at St. Charles (East).
"I was Ron's assistant for 14 years, served as freshman coach for 12 years and coached the sophomores for another eight years after Chuck retired. I was together coaching with them for 26 years."
Favorite memory?
"I remember my first year there (1968-69) when we won our first regional title in 57 years," said Parker. "We beat Kaneland before a jam-packed gym in DeKalb, and we had a 150-car caravan back into St. Charles where people were lining the streets."
Rachow, who called the 1972-73 team "probably the best and most-skilled" during his tenure, felt communication played a vital role in the school's on-the-court success.
"We all got along so well," said Rachow, who played high school basketball at Elgin. "I had some opportunities to become a head coach elsewhere but I had such a wonderful job at St. Charles.
"It was a very nice working situation with Ron. We approached the game the same way. He knew the game of basketball as well as anyone I've ever met."
Having loyal assistant coaches around like Parker and Rachow was an added bonus for Johnson.
"As a head coach, it's nice to have a stable program," said Johnson. "After a few years together, you get to understand what the program is about and know what you're trying to get accomplished.
"It was important to have that faith and trust with the coaching staff. St. Charles is a good community with good kids and families. We were in an enviable position."
After Saturday's boys game, a reception will be held in the cafeteria.
"We're encouraging all former players, friends and families to attend," said Prentiss. "I heard from one ex-player from the '80s who plans on flying in from Arizona.
"It's a great opportunity for people to show what these guys meant to them."
It's no coincidence that the St. Charles East-St. Charles North game date was picked for the occasion.
"I'd like the tradition to bring the two schools together," said Poulin. "It's not about us - it's about saying thank you and paying our respects."
They're well-deserved.
csb4k@hotmail.com