The winningest high school football coach in Illinois history will coach his final season this fall. Ken Leonard of Sacred Heart Griffin in Springfield made the announcement Thursday.
Leonard took over the program in 1984. Since then, he’s won five state championships, three second place titles and more than 400 games.
“It has been a pleasure serving SHG as Athletic Director and football coach,” Leonard said. “I have enjoyed my years of service and the people I have had the honor of working with through the years.”
“We are grateful for Coach Leonard’s dedication and service to SHG for 38 years,” said Sister Katherine O’Connor, SHG President. “He has mentored many young men, not just to be athletes, but to be Christ-centered leaders in the Springfield community and beyond.”
“Coach Leonard has created a legacy at SHG and in football that will live on for a very long time. I have always been grateful for the leadership and commitment he has shown to all of us,” stated Kara Rapacz, Principal. “Faith, Family, Football isn’t just a slogan with Coach Leonard. It is the way he lives his life and why he has positively impacted each and every player whom he has coached throughout the years. His presence will be missed on the field and in the school, but we are all better having worked with him for so many years.”
“I have had the pleasure of working with Ken for quite a number of years,” said Assistant Principal Bob Brenneisen. “I most appreciated his loyalty and dedication to SHG as well as his support for all athletes and teams. He lived and breathed SHG athletics. His presence will be greatly missed. He is Mr. SHG.”
While he'll coach for one more season, Leonard will officially retire as Athletic Director this summer.
