Retiring Lincoln-Way East Coach Surprised with Trip to Los Angeles

Retiring Lincoln-Way East soccer coach Brian Papa was stunned Sunday to receive surprise tickets to the ESPY Awards in July.

“Shocked mean anything to you? I was totally, totally taken off-guard. I never expected anything like this from anybody,” Papa told WBBM. “I’m speechless.”

Since 1978, Papa has made a difference in the lives of thousands of Chicago-area high school students. Having taught and coached at Rich Central, Bloom, Sandburg and currently Lincoln-Way East, the 63-year-old is actively involved in countless charities and giving back through different programs over the past 38 years.

In recognition of his efforts on and off the field, the PepsiCo Showdown and Buddy’s HELPERS on Sunday gifted Papa with two airline tickets and two tickets to the ESPY Awards. He was honored in front of his peers during a large meeting with educators from the Chicago area. Six of his former players, who have since become teachers and coaches, were also in attendance for the surprise presentation.

Papa is described as one of the winningest high school coaches in the Southland, with more than 700 wins, a 452-212-36 record as a boys coach, and a 336-216-33 record as a girls coach, according to the Daily Southtown.

None of that would have happened without students willing to give their entire hearts to the sport.

“Without kids buying in to what you’re doing, you would never be coaching for that many years,” Papa said, as reported by CBS. “They obviously are appreciative, and they work hard; and then you’ve got your parents’ support. It goes all the way around. Nothing would last this long if you didn’t have any of the things that I’ve mentioned.

“...I hope the community is proud of what I’ve done.”