east st louis football coaching staff

(Lena, IL), St Charles East It just depends on what side of the ball Coach Smith wants to play them on. * Last updated at 7:35 am on Monday, May 1, 2023, Nickname(s): Flyers (boys), Flyerettes (girls), Cities in District: Alorton 2,237; Centreville 9,747; East St. Louis 31,200; Washington Park 8,223, Board Division: 7, Legislative District: 19, IHSA Official Representative: Alonzo Nelson alonzo.nelson@estl189.com, Superintendent: Arthur Culver arthur.culver@estl189.com phone 618-646-3006 fax 618-583-8372, Principal: Alonzo Nelson alonzo.nelson@estl189.com, Principal's Assistant: Phebe Washington phebe.washington@estl189.com phone 618-610-0180, District Athletic Director: Darren Sunkett darrensunkett@yahoo.com phone 618-977-1144, Boys Athletic Director: Darren Sunkett darrensunkett@yahoo.com phone 618-977-1144, Boys Athletic Director's Assistant: Ida Sykes idarea.sykes@estl189.com phone 618-646-3700, Asst. In six spring games with East St. Louis he caught 32 passes for 737 yards and scored . Please click the read more link to access the document. You always want to represent where youre from. Its an important game. Upload it here. Learn more aboutways to give. Offensive Line: Pat Perles - The son of former college head coach and architect of the widely recognized Steel Curtain George Perles, Pat Perles came into coaching in 1992 with the LA Rams. Especially the environment that we come from, we need someone that when our kids make a mistake that hes not just going to send him out there to the wolves. I havent heard anything on it. Illinois has done a great job with that. Hes going to have that father-son relationship, and hes going to take care of them. It showed, it definitely showed early in how poorly we played. I think he fits right into that waiver process. I understand the hurdles we went through as a program and it just makes us stronger for the future. To Access The Forms Click Here, *Public Act 102-0051The district allows a student to modify his or her athletic uniform for the purpose of modesty in clothing or attire that is in accordance with the requirements of his or her religion or his or her cultural values or modesty preferences. EDGYTIM: With the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant, we had a lot of talk aboutbeing a Girl Dad. Stay up to date with all the latest news, rumors, scores and more on the return of the XFL St. Louis franchise. This year I'd like Tyler to be just a little more vocal as a leader. Hell be a lot closer to her and a lot closer to the mother, who he has a great relationship with. Youre talking about three great athletes who can really keep this thing going and Cory definitely has a great relationship with all three of those guys. - November 15, 2021 - The St. Louis Cardinals today announced their coaching staff for the upcoming 2022 season with two new coaches joining their Major League staff and newly-named manager Oli Marmol. Sunkett also discusses three more East St. Louis prospects receiving heavy Illini interest. We also have three sophomore linemanto throw in with them. Its not just about athletics and, What can you do for me? We need somebody whos definitely going to take care of our kids once theyre there. They are also loaded every year and they will be a partof the Classic and we have our hands loaded with both of those Missouri teams. All completed packets, forms, and health records can be returned between 10 am -1 pm to the Family and Community Engagement Center (FACE- 401 Katherine Dunham Place). Check here for the COVID Data Dashboard. Staff Directory Members By Category/Department; Name Title Email Address Phone Image; Aaron Keen: Head Coach akeen@wustl.edu (314) 935-7308 (314) 935-7308: Jeff Fisher Coach John Merritt took over the Spartans in 2022 and will lead them inthe next step in this tradition. Visit Departments and Curriculum. EDGYTIM: You bring backsome really impressive kids from last season, especiallyon the offensive side of the football. East St. Louis defensive back Ahmad Robinson is the No. What can you tell me about 4-star 2020 DB Antonio Johnson and 3-star WR Lawaun Powell? All in all, the fourth-year Panthers coach offered plenty of praise for the Panthers resurgence, including previous coaches who helped the program succeed. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. We can't wait to meet you. AP Chemistry Exam, 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM The whole Kobe thing really hit home especiallynow with this coronavirus. We value the feedback received from students, parents and community stakeholders. He was an outstanding football player. (Chicago, IL), Oswego He earned his most success as a Super Bowl Champion winning a championship with the Bucs as a Tight End Coach in 2002. (Frankfort, IL), Byron 247Sports employs a staff of more than 50 full time recruiting reporters and evaluators that rank and compile data on . (Calumet City, IL), West Aurora I'm hoping they are staying engaged educationally since sports have been taken away from them. <\/p>\n

EDGYTIM: One of the trademarks of your football program is you aren't afraid to travel and will play anyone, anywhere. So I really know this whole Girl Dad thing and I really understand it. Was that game the tone setter for the remainder of the year?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sunkett:<\/strong> That was definitely the tone setter. (Wheaton, IL), Antioch Community If we could compete with them physically upfront in the trenches, our team would be fine. Just to have somebody that electric, every time he touches the ball great things happen. I look back at my childhood and I grew up in Camden (New Jersey). Were in Illinois, so were Illinois-based. ILH boys; OIA East boys; OIA West boys; ILH girls; OIA East girls; OIA West girls; Wrestling. Sunkett: I tell everyone that I think top to bottom that team (2019) was my best team so far. Both teams are coming off victories in Week 4 as O'Fallon rallied to beat Edwardsville ranked No. After two seasons as Special Teams Coordinator, John became the Head Coach at John Burroughs. (Wide receiver) Dominic (Lovett) took his game to another level last season. And its always good to represent your home state school and to be able to lay your groundwork right here where everything started. New and exciting things are happening here at East Saint Louis High School and we hope to provide the best educational experiences possible while following CDC Guidelines. As a young coach he held posts at University City High School, Kirkwood and Priory before joining the John Burroughs staff with Gus Frerotte in 2011. The good news for the Tigers is that doing business in East St. Louis is proving to be even more fruitful in the next decade. Right now, Im sure he wants to play Antonio on the defensive side. It's something they are battling with when I talk to them. (Flossmoor, IL), Mount Carmel In the communitywe live in, structure is what's mostneeded for our kids. (Lisle, IL), John Hersey Why was it important for Jeff to get closer to home? You like to get your kids out and experience other parts of the state and the country. This kid is phenomenal when it comes to picking up the game plan. Just having those guys take us to the wire and having an opportunity late to win the game on fourth down, I knew we were on our way after that game as long as we could stay injury free.<\/p>\n

EDGYTIM: Looking ahead to the 2020 season, fill us in on the first three weeks of the regular season schedule.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sunkett:<\/strong> We open with two Missouri powers. I think Cory provides that. Right now they have 18 guys with Power 5 offers (chuckling), so yeah that's our Week 3 game. <\/p>\n

EDGYTIM: You bring back some really impressive kids from last season, especially on the offensive side of the football. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Sunkett:<\/strong> You start with (quarterback) Tyler (Macon), and he improved so much last year for us. After being drafted 194th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft, following a strong collegiate career, where he earned GMAC Bowl MVP, Gradkowski became a solid backup throughout his career, getting sporadic appearances but adding solid contributions in his various stints. Our teachers engage our young men with active learning and genuine relationships. Sunkett and I cover everything from his coaching career, to being a Girl Dad as well as getting an early look towards the 2020 East St. Louis Flyers. (Wheaton, IL), Peoria You take those two guys, then you also got Coach Smith recruiting our quarterback Tyler Macon, whos a sophomore and one of the top sophomore quarterbacks in the country. Lawaun Powell East St. Louis . Growing up I never had the opportunity to leave Camden. (Byron, IL), Lake Forest We are so happy you're here! (Chicago, IL), Westinghouse College Prep When we won that game I knew we were ready. Tight Ends/Special Teams: Tory Woodbury - A former quarterback and wide receiver himself, Woodbury was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Jets. Girls Athletic Director: Brian Schoby brian.schoby@estl189.com phone 618-646-3700, Activities Director: Darren Sunkett darrensunkett@yahoo.com phone 618-977-1144, Activities Director's Assistant: Ida Sykes idarea.sykes@estl189.com phone 618-646-3700, Asst. Becoming a defensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Storm, he moved to East Lake High School before becoming head coach of the Clearwater High School. Snapshot of East St. Louis & Lemont. During the season I'm with my players more than I am with my family and my players are an extension of my family. I wasn't exposed to anything but the inner city. St. Bonaventure sits on a beautiful 500-acre residential campus in western New York's Southern Tier, 70 miles south of Buffalo and 90 miles east of Erie, Pa. (Dolton, IL), Downers Grove South Gettis currently has the Panthers at 4-0 overall, 1-0 in the Southwestern Conference and ranked No. East St. Louis state champs for the 10th time in program history, Gruesome freak accident in P.E. This is another opportunity for our team to go out and get better and play a big game.. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. East St. Louis Football Roster. Enjoying a strong 5 seasons with the Buccaneers, Abraham was a member of the All-Rookie Team and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2000. 2022-2023 ESTL School Athletic Forms. We see his stats. Cory, he started off in this area as a Little League football coach. 1 in the latest AP Class 6A poll. (Decatur, IL), Barrington Just having that structure for helping to keep kids off the streets and keeping our kids engaged and in a safe haven is so important. Be sure to review the current SHINE189 Newsletter. Offensive Line: Pat Perles. As everyone knows we are in an impoverished area where our crime rate is different than suburban communities. 2. You look at Stanley Green right now, whos there, and James Knight is on track to graduate. Has that been by design and if so where does that come from?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sunkett:<\/strong> I think that's a big part of what we do and it helps those young men be better prepared for the world and life. The 23-24 East St. Louis varsity football staff roster. All our kids that I have sent there have graduated. He made 32 tackles in the spring. Then, in 2021, OFallon went 6-4 and 4-1 in league action but lost to the Flyers 48-2. But none were as highly-regarded as Jeff Thomas. (Chicago, IL), Naperville Central You can put him wide at the split (end). Sunkett: That was a big win also. He makes you just feel like hes known you for a long time. Like I said, Terry Hawthorne graduated from there, and Kendrick Jones received a degree from there. Dominic took a while to get adjusted after he transferred in. East St. Louis School District 189 may have the perfect career opportunity for you! My first time meeting him, he put me at ease. In June 2022, Abraham joined the coaching staff of Anthony Becht with the St. Louis Battlehawks. They were all first year starters and two of them were freshmen in Miles (McVey) and Paris (Patterson) except for one kid. Head Coach: Anthony Becht Director Team Operations: Anastasia Ali Director Player Personnel: Dave Boller Offensive Coordinator: Bruce Gradkowski Running Backs: Art Valero. The East St. Louis Senior High School Unified Champions Special Olympics Basketball Team played in the 2023 IHSA/Special Olympics Illinois Unified Basketball Tournament on Friday March 10, 2023 at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC 201 E Peabody Dr., Champaign, IL). Hes a young coach who can relate to these new-generation kids because these kids are a little different than what Ive been coaching over the last 20 years. East St. Louis, with their pedigree and all the good players they have, to go out and beat them would be good for all the kids. What do you see out of those programs right now because obviously you have a good relationship it seems like with both sides? How tough is it now for those athleteswho get so much guidance and structure from those sports to then all of a sudden it's takenaway? How has it impacted you as a coach? I look back at my childhood and  I grew up in Camden (New Jersey). A first-round pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, Chris played professionally for the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams, and New York Giants. It keeps them in a safe environment for at least 8-10 hours a day. A student is not required to receive prior approval of the school board for such modifications. The kids are excited about it. School District 189 is participating in the Test to Stay program in partnership with the CDC, IDPH, and East Side Health District. The interscholastic athletic and non-athletic activities participate in state competitions for grade levels in members' schools. Skyward - More than just an online report card, Class of 2023 - Blue Flames, Football, & Marching Band. Your gifts impact every student, every day. Hes a rangy free safety who is very athletic and does a lot of things well. 6. Wide Receivers: Ricky Proehl - A Rams legend, Proehl was part of the legendary The Greatest Show on Turf team that won a Super Bowl in 1999. Week 1 we have the 2018 Missouri state champion in Christian Brothers College and they are loaded year in and year out and they are always nationally ranked. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He chose Alabama over Michigan State, Oregon and others. Hes been our leading receiver the last two years. EDGYTIM: How important in the big picture was the Neuqua Valley win (a come from behind 50-48 win) Week 3 on the road in Naperville? Hes going to punish them, but hes going to punish them like a father. Hopefully we can find a way for our kids to at least experience at least a partial season. Do you have any insight on that waiver process? How have you been managing to handle all of the different aspects of dealing with the fallout from no spring sports? We talkedalready about the two freshmen linemen back for next season and it's just about getting themin the best shape possible and they have nothing but upside. It's like I have 55-60 sons at one time. Hopefully, the NCAA will allow him to play right away and Illinois fans will have the opportunity to see Jeff play this year.. Darren Sunkett: Ive known Cory for quite some time. The St. Louis Battlehawks are a professional American football team competing in the XFL. Hes going to be one of those guys who goes on and continues our tradition in playing in the Under Armour All-American Game. The staff and faculty members are making every effort to ensure quality instruction as well as a welcoming environment. Watch major games with DSN - Livestream. One 6. Thats a good program. I've been doing this now for a long time, and sometimes you sit back and it hits you like, \"Wow I've really aged\" in this game. Just to be able to give out kids a chance to see other environments, to see how other people live and give them the opportunity to travel and see other cities is something some kids never get to do. 1850 De La Salle Dr., St. Louis, MO, 63141 . Theyve got good players, they have a good coaching staff, and a rich history. (Peoria, IL), Phillips Academy A career that has seen coaching experience at the high school level, Gradkowski started as a volunteer assistant quarterbacks coach at Anthony Wayne High School before taking on head coaching duties at the St. Francis de Sales School. The official 2022 Football Roster for the Washington University in St. Louis The latest guest on my weekly 20 Minutes podcast is East St. Louis head coach and athletic director Darren Sunkett. A coaching career that started in 1981, Valero has coached at practically every level, from the NFL to Division One Programs and a stint in The Spring League as well. During his eight seasons at John Burroughs he held a record of 67-36 with three Metro League championships, three district championships, three final four appearances, two state finals and a Class 3 State Championship in 2015. Due to our strong athletic traditions, several professional athletes and Olympians have emerged from East St. Louis, Illinois. Hes one of those kids who it just depends on which side of the ball Coach Smith wants to play him on. Then you look at Lawaun Powell who is still developing. He said after last weeks win over Belleville East that each new week brings his Flyers an opportunity to build. He definitely needs to be closer to his family. We were prepared but we weren't prepared. I think Illinois provides a great environment for our kids to succeed academically as well as athletically.. This year I'd like Tyler to be just a little more vocal as a leader. In September 2022, Gradkowski was officially hired by the St. Louis Battlehawks as their offensive coordinator. At the high school level, we offer a wide range of sports for our student-athletes: East St. Louis Sr. High School Sports are spearheaded by the all-time winningest Football program in the state of Illinois, winning 7 state championships and 2 national championships in school history. before moving into a head coaching position at St. Petersburg Gibbs H.S. EDGYTIM: Last season you go 14-0 and win a state title. After a solid playing career that saw him make the All-Rookie Team, Claiborne joined the coaching ranks at the high school level, starting with Calabasas High School before returning to USCs football team as a quality control analyst, Most recently, he was the Linebackers coach for Arizona State before joining the St. Louis Battlehawks. Glover joined the coaching ranks as a Defensive Line Coach for the Jets and the Chargers from 2017-20. We just want to get better within our team each and every week. Right nowthey have 18 guys with Power 5 offers (chuckling), so yeah that's our Week 3 game. (Wheaton, IL), Romeoville (Chicago, IL), Shelbyville (Lincolnshire, IL), Thornton Township (Oak Lawn, IL), H L Richards We were prepared but we weren't prepared. (Du Quoin, IL), Lincoln-Way North Please review our eLearning, Return to Learn and ESSER III Plans. I understand the hurdles we went through as a program and it just makes us stronger for the future. <\/p>\n

EDGYTIM: With the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant, we had a lot of talk about being a Girl Dad. Linebackers: Chris Claiborne - Another NFL alum, Claiborne enjoyed a great collegiate career, where he was named an All-American. Woodbury joined the coaching ranks in 2011 as a Running Backs coach for Delaware State University, before moving to Johnson C. Smith University as an Offensive Coordinator. On the defensive side, the Defenders will be employing: Defensive Coordinator: Donnie Abraham - A strong playing career in the NFL establishing his name, Abraham spent 8 years in the NFL, and was one of the better cornerbacks during his time there. The East St. Louis Senior High Schools Flyers Basketball Team won the Super-sectionals on March 6, 2023 in Springfield, Illinois. I tell my kids all the time teams and coaches never forget losses, so we knew going in it would be a hostile environment. (Chicago, IL), Hinsdale Central A couple juniors recently received offers. (Oswego, IL), Lemont (Chicago, IL), Montini Catholic Tyler committed to Missouri already while Dominic has multiple Power 5 offers and so does Keontez. What environment does Lovie and his staff have to provide Jeff in his time at Illinois? dvelopper et amliorer nos produits et services. So everything for us was film study all week and one or two walk thru's. Please logout and login again. Offensive Asst. Were right on that border when it all comes down to it. When you try to think of a weak link from last year it maybe was the offensive line. Si vous ne souhaitez pas que nos partenaires et nousmmes utilisions des cookies et vos donnes personnelles pour ces motifs supplmentaires, cliquez sur Refuser tout. The East St. Louis Unified Champions Basketball Team won the Second Place Title in the State Tournament! But its just one of those games we win this game we know that we have an opportunity to continue on and beat some good teams. Schedule a visit, join us for an event, or go on a virtual tour! Sunkett: That was definitely the tone setter. We see his highlights. A member of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame and the 2000s All-Decade Team, Glover was the NFL sacks leader in 2000 and was a constant Pro Bow selection in the first half of the 2000s, earning six straight selections. (South Holland, IL), Duquoin In 2020, 3 of the 10 top players in the state of Illinois were Flyers . Hopefully we can find a way for our kids to at least experience at least a partial season. Lovie kinda puts you at ease. Make this summer count! Was that game the tone setter for the remainder of the year? Our kids came in and competed their butts off and we jumped on them early. It will be a sophomore line with one junior and those guys overall will be pretty good. Atlanta Falcons (1987-1993), Los Angeles/St. (Shelbyville, IL), Rolling Meadows He doesnt call you coach. He calls you by your first name. We think it's an experience they will remember and cherish for a lifetime.<\/p>\n

EDGYTIM: You've had quite the run at East St. Louis over the past 18 plus years now. (Glen Ellyn, IL), Brother Rice How has that grown and changed the last three years? Darren Sunkett: Just family-wise. But theyre both outstanding junior players, and I think as long as Cory and Coach Smith keeps recruiting those guys, I think those are two more guys who would love to stay home and keep building right here in their home state school. Youve seen a lot of great players come through East St. Louis. (Oswego, IL), Hope College Prep I've matured as a coach and you reflect back on the good times and you also reflect on the bad times, too. Last year right out of the gates you played Batavia at Batavia and in that first game your kids came out on fire (a 31-17 Flyers win). (Woodstock, IL), Palatine Staff Directory Members By Category/Department; Name Title Email Address Phone Mailstop; Tom Matukewicz: Head Coach tuke@semo.edu: 651-2110 651-2110: 7000 Visit our new Trophy Room for stats and season recaps from all of our state championship teams. I think once Coach Smith gets that thing turned around and gets to winning ball games, it probably wont be much of a recruiting war. Parents will need to complete the enrollment packet and get the required physical examinations and vaccinations. Louis Rams (1994-1995), Denver Broncos (1999) QB coach: Arizona Cardinals (2009 . 2020 Top Football Recruits in Illinois . They really stepped upand got it done and led us to a state championship. It's tough for the coaches right now and it's tough on the kids. I'm hoping they arestaying engaged educationally since sports have been taken away from them. Its a conference game. Darren Sunkett: Yeah, I have a great relationship with both. (East Saint Louis, IL), Lincoln-Way East (Bolingbrook, IL), Morgan Park Academy Senior tackle Jireh Mayes (6-2, 320) will anchor the defensive line. phone: 314-985-6100 fax: 314-985-6115 He was able to stretch the offense vertically and he was that thumper we were missing in our offense. Coach John Merritt played college football at Washington University for Head Coach Larry Kindbom before ending his playing career to become a coach. They were an inexperienced line and we didn't know where they would take us, but those kids worked their butt off to get us to succeed. He's a verybright kid who has a very bright future. Boys Football Head Coach: Darren Sunkett darrensunkett@yahoo.com. (Downers Grove, IL), A B Shepard 5 in the latest AP Class 8A poll. While Saturdays game is anything but a must-win situation, Gettis also noted beating the Flyers would not be just an ordinary victory.