Friends of Basketball

Joe Stephenitch

Year Inducted: 2011

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations: Mendota High School
(Gurnee) Warren Township High School

Biography: Joe developed into a “superfan” of high school basketball in his native Mendota and later at (Gurnee) Warren Township HS.  He was inspired by Mendota basketball coach and business teacher Bob Beals to become a business teacher himself at Warren Township.  Joe retired in 2008 after 31 years in education but continued to attend basketball games at Warren and throughout Illinois.  From 1982-2008, he was the official timer for Warren boys’ and girls’ basketball at all levels.