Friends of Basketball

John Sweeney

Year Inducted: 2002

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations:
(Bloomington) Central Catholic High School

Biography: 

John Sweeney was a sophomore at the old (Bloomington) Trinity High School when John Snyder arrived fresh from his Illinois State University graduation. Something must have clicked between them.

When Snyder lost his scorekeeper at midseason in 1971 at Bloomington Central Catholic, Trinity’s successor, the first person Snyder tapped was a math and business teacher there named John Sweeney.

Sweeney took over the Saints’ scorebook in January 1971 and not even leaving teaching for the plumbing business could strip him of his scoring pen. In his 32 years at the scorer’s table, Sweeney counted three trips to the state tournament in 1973, 1976 and 1979 as highlights. But the Cinderella Saints surprised a lot of people in 2002 by earning a fourth trip to the Elite Eight in Peoria, making some more labor of love for Sweeney. 

A game he remembered most, but didn’t discuss, was one where he made a mistake against Central Catholic, but was redeemed when the Saints won. When asked why he was in his role so long, Sweeney said, “I love high school basketball and I really enjoy my association with the teams and fans.”

John Sweeney died on Sept. 11, 2016 at age 73.