Open Door Policy
Head Coach, Joliet (IL) Catholic Academy©
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Tradition is the operative word when Joliet Catholic Academy and football are discussed. Since the start of a formalized high school playoff system throughout Illinois in 1974, the Joliet Catholic Hilltoppers have won the most state championships (12) of all the high schools throughout the state. The first four titles came under the direction of legendary coach Gordie Gillespie (1975 through 1978) and continued under the direction of Jim Boyter (1986) and Don Stone (1990).
The tradition continued in the late 90’s when former JCA alum and assistant coach Dan Sharp became head man in 1997. Since that time, the Hilltoppers have an additional five state titles and, under Sharp’s direction, an overall 92-14 record in eight seasons. Sharp played and coached under Gillespie who is now still going strong at 79.
We spoke to Coach Sharp about JCA football recently while in his office. More specifically, what is it like being Joliet Catholic’s leader and what goes on behind the scenes? What is the inner-workings of a day like for him? Included is an intimate look inside a coach’s den...
AFM: What was it like becoming head coach at JCA, knowing you were now completely in charge of the Hilltopper football program?
DS: I certainly felt lots of emotion when I got the position...certainly excitement but with a lot of responsibility...we have a great tradition and JCA had tremendous coaches before me – Gordie Gillespie, Jim Boyter, and Don Stone... we’re almost, with our tradition, the high school equivalent of Notre Dame.
AFM: Tell me how your office is use? Do you have staff meetings there, do parents visit, do you use your office to watch tape?
DS: As both athletic director and football coach, we have a number of staff meetings in my office. During the season we have regular coaches meetings here on Saturday and Sunday. A ton of college recruiters come in to visit and discuss our players primarily in the spring and after the regular season. I also look at a lot of tape of our players and our opponents – many of our players are sons and grandsons of former JCA players.
AFM: Over the years have you had had any interesting visitors?
DS: A few years ago Coach Pete Boone visited because we had two players in the inaugural All-American Bowl. He was the coach depicted in ‘Remember the Titans’ and has been involved in the All-American Bowl since its inception. Joe Paterno has been here a few times and has been very gracious giving us a lot of his time. We refer to him as ‘The Pope’ around here... Lloyd Carr and Randy Walker have also visited as well as JCA alum Dan Ruettiger or ‘Rudy.’ His brother is our strength coach.
AFM: What are some of the personal and professional memorabilia in your office?
DS: The office is L-shaped with my assistant, Nancy Lupton (pictured above) in the front, and my office in the back. We have a number of framed pictures from the local paper with the ‘State Champs’ headline, a wall of players that have gone on to play D-I football, a number of team photos from our state championships as well as a photo of myself, my father and Coach Gillespie.
AFM: Have you had any interesting phone calls over the years?
DS: We sometimes get requests for JCA jerseys or footballs from alums from years past. We also get calls of support from friends and alums from all over the country. One former player called while on an African Safari and actually met another alum on the trip. He said they sang our fight song.
AFM: Have many fellow coaches that have influenced your career stopped by your office?
DS: Certainly Gordie Gillespie, a coach I played for and was an assistant for 17 years, stops by regularly. I’ve become good friends with Randy Walker of Northwestern and both Paterno and Carr have discussed philosophy and organization. I admire all of them.
AFM: If you were allowed to take only one item from your office, what would it be?
DS: My secretary, Nancy, is indispensable and keeps my life in order... if not her it would be the team photos with our kids... I've been fortunate to have some many great kids play for us.
AFM: If you could invite three coaches into your office for a philosophical discussion, who would they be?
DS: Vince Lombardi, Ara Parseghian, and Gordie Gillespie... Lombardi was discipline-oriented, a tremendous motivator, and organized... I admired what Ara did at Notre Dame and the reason we're successful is due to Coach Gillespie.
AFM: If you could be an assistant again and learn from one coach, who would it be?
DS: Bill Walsh... I believe the game changed under Coach Walsh and while he has great connections to the past – learning and coaching with people like Sid Gillman and Paul Brown – football changed under his leadership and direction. He also produced some great coaches over the years.
AFM: What thoughts or advice would you give to the person that eventually will replace you?
DS: Number l, as coaches, we should do all we can with the things we can control and don’t be concerned about what you can't control... work hard on the things you can control – your attitude and enthusiasm for the game and your knowledge of the game and so forth. Number 2, be genuine and be yourself in what you can control.
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