Water polo coaching legend Perry passes away

Fenwick and the high school water polo and aquatics community have lost one of the all-time greats.

The school announced Monday that Perry, by far the most successful boys water polo coach in state history and a key player in the sport’s growth, passed away Sunday morning after a valiant fight with cancer.

Perry amassed a total of 17 water polo state championships, including eight consecutive IHSA state titles. The team won 51 straight games between the 2006 and 2007 seasons and went undefeated (36-0) last season to earn the program’s eighth state title.

In a wheelchair for the championship game, Perry coached the team to victory with his son, Kyle.

Perry owns an astounding 757-143-2 career record in 31 years at Fenwick and Mount Carmel and a 675-70-1 record in his 23 years at Fenwick. He is a member of the Illinois Water Polo Hall of Fame, Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame and has been named Coach of the Year countless times.

Beyond water polo, Perry was enormously popular as a swimming coach and is a member of the Illinois Swimming Association Hall of Fame.

“Coach Perry leaves a tremendous legacy at Fenwick as a dedicated and compassionate teacher, coach and friend,” says Fenwick President, Fr. DePorres Durham. “Although he has amassed incredible records and accolades throughout his water polo career, his generous heart and courageous spirit are to be most celebrated and remembered.”

Visitation will be Friday at Fenwick High School from 3-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Saturday at St. Vincent Ferrer, 1530 Jackson Avenue, River Forest, at 10 a.m.