Walsh takes over Schaumburg boys basketball

Matt Walsh received a perfect anaesthetic for his Friday morning surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

On Thursday night, the Conant graduate and assistant boys basketball coach was offered and accepted the job as Schaumburg's new varsity coach. Walsh replaces Bob Williams, who resigned nearly two weeks ago after 18 seasons.

"It's been an exciting 24 hours to say the least," the 33-year-old Walsh said shortly after coming home from the hospital Friday night. "When I came to from the anesthesia I had to make sure it still wasn't a dream."

It was the 1993 Daily Herald All-Area guard getting his dream job at one of Conant's biggest rivals.

"We couldn't be happier with Matt's selection to lead our boys basketball program," said Schaumburg principal Tim Little. "Matt's student-centered and a quality person. He's the kind of person you'd want working with not only your student-athletes on the court, but your students in the classroom as well.

"He relates well with both student-athletes and parents alike and his enthusiasm and energy make him a perfect fit for this job."

Walsh played at Rosary College and has been part of the Conant coaching staff since 1996. He was a varsity assistant for Tom McCormack from 2003-05 and as the sophomore coach he won conference titles each of the last four years and was 82-14.

"They got a really good one and we're really excited for him over here," McCormack said. "He's been ready for this for awhile."

Walsh will also be working for Conant graduate and former coach and teacher Tim Kirby, who is now Schaumburg's athletic director.

"I'm so looking forward to meeting and getting to know the players and to start working with the other coaches," Walsh said. "I can't wait to contribute to Schaumburg's tradition of excellence academically and athletically.

"I have to thank my wife and family for their support and the administration of Schaumburg for a great opportunity. There are a countless number of people at Conant who have been wonderful to me both as a student and colleague."

Schaumburg shared the Mid-Suburban West title with Conant and Hoffman in its 16th consecutive winning season under Williams. The Saxons also won the 2001 Class AA state title, took fourth in 1999 and made the Elite Eight in 2006.

Walsh said man-to-man defense and a motion offense will be staples of his program at Schaumburg.

"It's an incredible program and an incredible school overall," Walsh said. "The fact I have this chance is something else. It's a wonderful opportunity."