Meet the SJ-R’s Coach of the Year: Sacred Heart-Griffin’s Ken Leonard
Ken Leonard never fails to harp on a certain theme time and time again: In all phases
It includes academics, faith, personal growth — and of course, football.
The 2022 Sacred Heart-Griffin football team excelled in each regard. That includes the 25 talented seniors who littered the roster.
“They cared about each other,” Leonard said. “They were just a real joy — and winners. They won in all sports, and it showed during the playoffs. We got down a couple of times. They just had a way to win.”
Leonard instills values — and toughness
The Cyclones bowed to Joliet Catholic Academy 56-27 in the 2021 Class 4A state championship game.
Leonard opted to return for one more season with the formidable Class of 2023 in tact.
Although it was his last season at the helm, Leonard never wanted it to be about himself, senior receiver/safety Jake Hamilton said.
“He wanted it to be about the seniors and about it being their last year,” Hamilton said.
The Cyclones proved their mettle in the 4A playoffs beginning in the second round at Waterloo.
Leonard missed the game due to a flu, which prompted offensive coordinator John Allison to make his early head coaching debut. Allison was named the heir apparent prior to the season in April.
SHG trailed the Bulldogs 16-7 at the end of the third quarter before scoring three unanswered touchdowns for a 28-16 win.
“I'm glad that wasn't his last game and the coaches stepped up and came through as well,” Hamilton said.
SJ-R's 2022-23 Teams of the Year: SHG football, Glenwood girls soccer capture state titles
The Cyclones pulled off an even bigger comeback against Central State Eight Conference rival Rochester in the 4A state semifinals, 56-42. They trailed 21-0 at the start of the game and 42-21 with under five minutes left in the third quarter of the 16th and final chapter of the Leonard Bowl series that included Leonard’s son, Derek, as the head coach at Rochester.
SHG capped its unblemished 14-0 season with a 44-20 win over New Lenox Providence Catholic at Memorial Stadium in Champaign to send the IHSA’s all-time winningest coach into retirement with a sixth state title.
He posted a 419-81 overall record over 42 total seasons stretching back to Gridley. That includes a 387-72 mark over 39 seasons at SHG. He won state titles in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2022.
Leonard never failed to push his players — or care about them in all phases of life.
“He'll tell you how it is,” said Hamilton, whose dad, Bob, played in Leonard’s debut season with the Cyclones in 1984. “He'll come out here and tell you you're being a little softy, but he'll tell you when you're doing a good job.
“He's a genuine guy. He has a lot of feelings for his players and he always wants his players to be playing to the best to their abilities and using their talents wisely.”
Contact Bill Welt: 788-1545, bill.welt@sj-r.com, Twitter.com/BillWelt
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: SJ-R Coach of the Year: Sacred Heart-Griffin’s Ken Leonard
