O'Brien steps down as South Elgin athletic director

South Elgin athletic director John O'Brien resigned from his post Tuesday, effective at the end of the school year.

The first athletic director in the four-year old school's history, O'Brien oversaw the development of the fledgling athletic program from the ground up.

"The four years that I've spent here have been really, really good," O'Brien said Tuesday night, "but everything has a price and a toll. I've spent a lot of time here at South Elgin away from my kids, my family. It's that time."

O'Brien said he plans to teach "somewhere in the district next year."

The youngest of O'Brien's three children is currently a sophomore three-sport athlete at Waubonsie Valley, playing two varsity sports this year.

"I've coached other people's kids for 32 years. It's time for me to watch my own kid play," said O'Brien, who credited that line to his friend Kerry Sund, the former Streamwood boys basketball coach. "I'd rather spend the time watching him play and develop."

O'Brien's resignation means four of the five District U-46 athletic director positions must be filled before next year. Streamwood athletic director Steve Gertz confirmed Tuesday that he will remain in his post.