OAK LAWN, IL—Determined, patient, successful—all these words can be used to describe Oak Lawn Community High School head baseball coach Bill Gerny. After starting his coaching career as a volunteer freshman assistant coach at the school many moons ago, he became the head sophomore coach, and eventually worked his way to the top of the program as varsity head coach for the Spartans.
A testament to the successful program he has built came last month when he earned his 200th career victory as skipper for the Spartans. As of Thursday, he had totaled 214 wins and finds himself in another South Suburban Conference Red battle for a championship. He already led the Spartans to conference championships in 2013 and 2021.
Thursday afternoon at Skip Sullivan Field in Oak Lawn, athletic director Jeremey Cryan and the athletic department honored Gerny with a commemorative ball to acknowledge the accomplishment.
Surrounded by family and friends, Gerny tipped his hat to the fans and then guided the Spartans to a 7-2 win over visiting TF North.
“The losses always seem to stick with me much longer, especially the 2023 loss to Lyons Township in the Illinois High School Association Regional championship,” Gerny said. “However, there are always small moments and conversations with teachers, players, and former players that are much more meaningful than bottom-line results. I’m proud of our guys for always being respectful and kind; they always make me look good because they are just great people to be around and have in class.”
~Contributed by Brian Frangella, OLCHS Feature Writer
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