One of probably the most a success highschool coaches within the state is making the bounce to university basketball.
Nick Irvin, who gained 4 Class 3A state titles at Morgan Park over the last 12 seasons, has joined Rob Jeter’s new body of workers at Western Illinois.
“Nick is a winner,” Jeter mentioned in a remark.”He’s an vigorous, a success head trainer who has confirmed to broaden high-level student-athletes. I’ve a ton of admire for Nick and the Irvin circle of relatives. For any such giant town, the Chicago basketball group is tight-knit, and the Irvins have sturdy ties. Coming again to Chicago and giving one in every of our personal a chance used to be a concern for me, and I’m excited to have Nick sign up for us at Western.”
Irvin’s brother Lance is the top trainer at Chicago State and his sister-in-law Corry Irvin is the ladies’s trainer at St. Xavier.
Irvin used to be 301-70 at Morgan Park and gained a minimum of 20 video games in all 12 seasons. He coached two Sun-Times’ Players of the Year: Charlie Moore (2016) and Wayne Blackshear (2011).
Irvin resigned from his safety task at the highschool previous this 12 months, fueling hypothesis that he would take a distinct highschool task within the 2020-21 season. Then the chance arrived at Western Illinois.
“This is a bittersweet day for all of us,” Morgan Park Athletic Director Michael Berger mentioned in a remark. “[Irvin] will be greatly missed around the halls of Morgan Park high school with his positive attitude, the great way he connects with people, how hard he works, and his infectious laugh.”
Irvin’s luck with the Mustangs took their native contention with Simeon, the established powerhouse, to a brand new point.
“Everyone wants to see this game,” Irvin mentioned in 2010. “We beat them last time. We run Vincennes. That’s the way it’s going to be. We are coming after them.”
That ended in Simeon vs. Morgan Park being dubbed The Battle of Vincennes. It evolved into the world’s maximum spirited contention.
Irvin joins Chad Boudreau and Kyle Heikkinen on Jeter’s body of workers at Western.
“When putting together a staff, I had a few key things in mind,” Jeter mentioned. “I wanted an experienced staff with head coaching experience, high-character and high-energy coaches with a passion for recruiting and development, and a group who would work well together. I believe I’ve accomplished each of those things with these hires.”
The Morgan Park task is one in every of a number of high-profile openings within the space. Reggie Bates lately stepped down at Hyde Park and there are vacancies at Oak Park, St. Viator and Lincoln Park.