Coaches

Father Francis J. Casey

Year Inducted: 1975

Category: Coaches

Schools / Organizations: (Odell) St. Paul High School
(Toluca) St. Ann Grade School
(Streator) St. Mary Grade School

Biography: Father Francis J. Casey served as coach at Streator’s St. Mary’s Grade School from 1927-30 before moving to Toluca’s St. Ann’s Grade School from 1930-39.  While at St. Ann’s, Father Casey produced Peoria Diocesan heavyweight champions in 1935 and 1938.  In 1938 St. Ann’s also ruled the Illinois state grade school tournament.  From 1946-51, Father Casey coached St. Paul High School in Odell.  There his teams won Coal Valley Conference championships in 1950 and 1951.  His 1951 St. Paul team was the first district team since 1938 to reach the IHSA Sweet Sixteen.