Robbie Gould says he wants to build a program that can be competitive in the Catholic League
Former Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould was formally introduced as Saint Viator’s football coach Thursday afternoon at the school’s Cahill Gym in Arlington Heights.
But he essentially turned the press conference into a tribute to others, from the athletic directors and football programs at Fremd and Rolling Meadows to former Bears teammate and current Carmel Catholic football coach Jason McKie to an array of leaders at Saint Viator, including Dean of Students Deborah Scerbicke.
“Dean Deb is going to retire soon,” said the 42-year-old Gould, who suited up for the Bears from 2005-15. “I have to tell you, she has so much energy for this school and for the people here.
“I’m going to do all I can do to approach half her energy in this awesome opportunity to work at a school that believes in the same core values that I have.”
Gould served as Rolling Meadows’ football coach in the fall, guiding the Mustangs to a 4-1 start and a playoff berth with a 5-4 record after joining Fremd’s coaching staff near the end of the 2023 season.
Rolling Meadows and the Chicago Bears’ all-time leading scorer mutually parted ways on Dec. 3, after he informed School District 214 officials of his intention to interview for the open position at Saint Viator; former Saint Viator football coach David Archibald stepped down in October following the Lions’ 4-5 season.
“I wanted to be transparent with the people at Rolling Meadows,” Gould said. “There’s no way I would have looked into coaching at another school without telling them first. Rolling Meadows Principal (Megan) Kelly was good to me, and so was (Rolling Meadows AD) Jim Voyles. I’ll always be grateful for them and for the opportunity I got to coach with Lou Sponsel at Fremd. I also must thank (Fremd AD) Hamid (Mehreioskouei).”
A resident of Inverness and father of three sons (ages 11, 9 and 6), Gould, a former Penn State Nittany Lion, can’t wait to prepare his Lions for games against Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference schools in 2025.
McKie, who played for the Bears from 2003-09, has coached Carmel in CCL/ESCC games since 2020.
“I spoke with Jason about coaching football before I started at Fremd,” Gould said. “He helped me right away, letting me know what to expect as a high school coach. There’s nothing like playing football in the Catholic League, always one of the strongest conferences in the state. As a competitor, you always want to play against the best.
“I took my sons to the Maine South-Loyola Academy football playoff game last month. I wanted them to experience the atmosphere of a postseason game at a Catholic League venue.”
Gould noted Saint Viator’s enrollment is around 800. He then brought up another number.
“At this school, 84 percent of the students graduate with honors,” said Gould, who for two seasons (2009-10) was a Bears teammate of Brett Basanez, a record-setting quarterback at Saint Viator. “You build a football team through the weight room, but work in the classroom comes first here. In the hallway, right outside this gym, two awards for leadership are displayed. Saint Viator is committed to community service, too.”
Gould shared that Saint Viator alumnus and WGN-TV sports anchor Jarrett Payton called to congratulate him on his new post earlier this week.
“When news broke of Robbie’s hiring, there was a lot of buzz and excitement around the Saint Viator community,” said Saint Viator interim athletic director Mike Obsuszt. “What is even more impressive to me, though, is Robbie’s level of excitement to become a part of the Saint Viator family.
“He will be a great addition to the athletic program.”