A press release recently came across my desk announcing that the St. Charles North and St. Charles East boys basketball teams will honor three longtime basketball coaches at their Jan. 24 game at St. Charles North.
Ron Johnson, Chuck Rachow and Jim Parker all coached for over 25 years at the old St. Charles High. Now retired from coaching, they trio will be honored by the Saints and North Stars for their commitment to high school basketball in the community.
A ceremony will take place before tipoff at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Jan. 24. Following the game a reception will be held in the North cafeteria.
Former players, friends and colleagues are urged to attend the even. For more information call North athletics director John Rutter at 630-223-5706.
This season's meeting will be the 14th between East and North. The North Stars lead the all-time series 8-5. Here's a game-by-game look at the all-time series.
A friend of mine forwarded an email to me this morning informing me of the "Night of Legends". I played for all 3 of the coaches being honored and would like to give my congratulations! I currently live in Atlanta, GA so I will not be able to make the ceremony as much as I wish I could. I have memorable experiences of all 3 coaches because each in there own way helped shape me into the person I am today and for that I thank them.
Ron Johnson allowed me to be creative and play the way I was capable without holding me back. I was very honored to be a member of the team that got his 500 victory as well as, have 20 win back-to-back seasons with Coach at the helm.
Chuck Rachow gave me the confidence I needed to realize that I was able to play and be effective on any court I stepped on. He gave me the chance that I needed to be able to shine as an individual player. I'll never forget the baseline loose ball drill. Most epic battles in any basketball practice ever!