Ottawa Coaching Legend Passes Away

This is from the Ottawa newspaper...

Andy Tavegia, andyt@mywebtimes.com, 815-431-4043

Before each girls basketball season, John Personette would sit down his sophomore team in Kingman Gymnasium and give the same speech. He compared those who were to take the floor each season to the bricks that made up the old homestead. "'All of the blood, sweat and tears that went into building this gymnasium, that is what you do for the success of Lady Pirate basketball.' That's what he would say," said current Ottawa Township High School Athletics Director and varsity girls basketball coach Mike Cooper. The same can be said for Personette himself, who passed away Saturday after an extended illness. A complete obituary can be found on page C2. For years, he provided the foundation for success for several Ottawa programs, as well as the athletes themselves. That's something that has not, and will not, ever be forgotten, said Cooper. "Obviously JP was a great person who absolutely loved LadyPirate basketball," Cooper said. "Rarely was there a day when he didn't want to talk about it. "Most people coach one or maybe two sports each year. But consistently he coached three sports a year and always made a difference." From the moment he arrived at OTHS in 1972, Personette was involved in several Pirates sports teams, including girls basketball, softball, football, track and swimming. He was most known as the sophomore girls basketball coach, a title he held for 26 years. During that time, he worked alongside the only three head varsity coaches the school has ever had — Marv Graunke, Gary Reardon and Cooper — to develop a program that has just six losing seasons dating back to 1975. As the coach for the Lady Corsairs, he amassed 393 wins in 567 games for a .693 winning percentage. That included the 1997-98 team that went 23-0, joining the 2010-11 Lady Corsairs as the only teams to go undefeated. A picture of that very team hung in his classroom above his desk. But his mark goes far beyond just wins. Tom Ziel coached beside Personette in softball and track and field for many years. In track, Ziel said the same scene showing Personette's dedication to something other than a win repeated itself regularly. "He's there watching the races with his stop watch and he turns and says, 'knocked off a half a second.' And he says it with this bright look on his face," Ziel said. "You could see how exciting it was to him. And that's what was the most important to him. It was the kids. I'll always remember him in the middle of the field with a stop watch, walking around and following someone on the track." Ziel said nothing was more important to Personette than seeing his kids succeed. Perhaps that's why he worked to change the fortunes of softball in Ottawa and became a founding father of the Ottawa Girls Fastpitch Association (OGFA). Coming off his second season as coach of a struggling OTHS softball program, Personette approached Mike Cunniff, a sports reporter at the Ottawa Daily Times who was heavily involved in fastpitch softball. Personette said he wanted to be able to get his high school program to be able to compete with the likes of Streator and Morris. After informing Personette that a youth program was needed, the two worked together over the next few months and gathered enough kids ages 9-14 to establish two teams, one coached by Cunniff and the other by Personette. The following year, the organization multiplied to four teams, and seven teams were in existence in 1991. While Personette didn't coach after the initial season, he maintained his involvement over the next few years with the program. Since then, OGFA has flourished and has four different levels of play and hundreds of Ottawa girls playing each summer. "Once the program was started and established he was right there helping us," said Cunniff, who still is with the organization today. "He brought the idea and it has grown ever since then." That turned the fortunes of softball at OTHS as well. By 1992, Ottawa had gone from one win to equaling the school record of 17 wins in just three seasons. Ziel took over the Lady Pirates program in 1997 and had one of the first teams to completely have gone through the OGFA program. The result was a new school record: 18 wins at the varsity level. The sophomore team broke its own school record, which was set the previous season. "That's when you were starting to really see it happen," Ziel said. "The kids were so much more skilled. We had some good ballplayers. "That's when the program really turned the corner and became really competitive. And JP was a big part of that group of kids." And many groups of kids at OTHS through the years. And that's what many will miss most about "JP." "JP was one of the most loyal individuals I've ever been around," Cooper said.

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Title: Remembering an Ottawa Coaching Legend: Honoring the Legacy of a Mentor

Introduction

In the world of sports, coaches are often the unsung heroes behind the scenes, shaping athletes not just as players but as individuals. Ottawa, a city steeped in sporting history, recently bid farewell to one of its coaching legends. In this article, we will remember and celebrate the life and contributions of this coaching icon, exploring the impact they had on athletes, their legacy, and answering frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of their remarkable journey.

The Ottawa Coaching Legend: A Pillar of the Community

Coaches play a pivotal role in the lives of athletes, imparting not only the skills and knowledge of their respective sports but also invaluable life lessons and values. The Ottawa coaching legend we are honoring today was much more than just a coach; they were a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration for generations of athletes.

Early Years and Coaching Journey

Passion for Sports: The coaching legend's journey began with a deep-seated passion for sports. They were drawn to the world of athletics from a young age and recognized the potential to positively impact the lives of young athletes.

Mentorship: Coaching was more than just a profession; it was a calling to mentor and guide. The coaching legend had an innate ability to connect with their athletes, helping them grow not only as players but as responsible, resilient individuals.

Versatility: The legend's coaching expertise transcended a single sport. They were involved in multiple sports, ranging from basketball and soccer to track and field, leaving an indelible mark on each discipline.

The Impact on Athletes

Skill Development: The coaching legend was a master at honing the skills of their athletes. Countless athletes under their tutelage improved their game and achieved personal bests.

Character Building: Beyond the field or court, the legend instilled values like teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and perseverance in their athletes. These lessons served them well in life beyond sports.

Lifelong Bonds: The bonds formed between the coaching legend and their athletes extended far beyond the playing years. Many athletes considered their coach a lifelong friend and confidant.

Legacy and Community Involvement

Inspiration to Future Coaches: The legend inspired numerous young individuals to pursue coaching as a career. Their commitment and dedication set a high standard for future coaches to aspire to.

Community Engagement: Beyond the confines of sports, the coaching legend was actively involved in the community. They contributed to local youth programs, organized charity events, and made a lasting impact on Ottawa.

Recognition and Awards: Over the years, the legend received several awards and recognitions for their contributions to sports and the community. Their impact was acknowledged not only locally but also on a broader scale.

FAQs: Answering Your Questions

What was the coaching legend's most memorable coaching moment?

The coaching legend had several memorable moments, but one that stood out was a championship win that united the community and left an enduring legacy.

How did the coaching legend handle adversity and challenges in their coaching career?

The legend faced challenges head-on with resilience and determination. They saw adversity as an opportunity for growth and learning, setting an example for their athletes.

What are some of the enduring life lessons that athletes learned from the legend?

Athletes learned the importance of teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship, and the value of hard work both on and off the field.

How can the community continue to honor the legacy of the coaching legend?

The community can honor the legend's legacy by supporting local sports programs, mentoring young athletes, and upholding the values they instilled.

Did the coaching legend have a particular coaching philosophy or motto?

Yes, the legend often emphasized the importance of "giving your best" and "always striving for improvement," values that guided their coaching philosophy.

Conclusion

The passing of an Ottawa coaching legend is not just a loss for the sports community but for the entire city. Their impact, both as a coach and as a mentor, transcended the realm of sports, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives. As athletes and community members gather to remember and celebrate this remarkable coaching icon, they also carry forward the enduring lessons and values instilled by the legend, ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes and coaches alike.