Marist Taps Providence Coach To Head Boys Basketball Program

CHICAGO, IL — A lifelong product of Catholic education has been tapped as Marist High School’s new head boys basketball coach. Marist principal Larry Tucker ‘79 announced Thursday that former Providence Catholic High School Tim Trendel would be heading to the South Side. Trendel called his new post at Marist a “coach’s dream.”

Trendel comes to Marist from Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, where in the eight seasons under his guidance the Celtics won the Chicago Catholic League post-season tournament in 2015 and finished third in the tournament in 2016. The program also won three regional titles. Prior to that, he spent thirteen years on the faculty and coaching staff at St. Patrick High School in Chicago.

“I am a lifelong product of Catholic education and truly believe the Marist basketball position is the ultimate Catholic school position. There is none better in my mind,” Trendel said. “Marist’s top-notch academics coupled with athletic excellence attracts the best players and coaches around. Competing in one of the toughest conferences in the state (East Suburban Catholic Conference) and one of the best sectionals in the state is a coach’s dream. Marist is a destination job for any coach, including myself.”

Trendel is also an experienced social studies teacher and school administrator. In addition to his coaching duties at Marist, he will teach in the physical education department.

“We are excited to have Tim join the Marist family,” Tucker said in a news release. “We feel confident he can take our established and successful program and continue to guide it to victory. He truly understands our school philosophy and commitment to 21st century Catholic education.”

Marist’s program won the regional in 2018 and placed third in the ESCC. The team advanced to the sectional final nearly bringing down national powerhouse Simeon.

“In Tim Trendel, Marist is getting a seasoned coach with extensive experience and a great reputation as an educator in Catholic high schools,” Marist Athletic Director Eric Simpson said. “Coach Trendel has consistently developed successful basketball programs on and off the court and has established a tradition of winning as a head coach. With Tim at the helm, I truly believe the RedHawk boys basketball program will continue its long tradition of success."