Schools Join Forces to Honor Long-Time Coaches

Bremen High School athletics are in full swing and have been off to a great start! As Bremen athletes prepared to battle the Andrew Thunderbolts, the coaches of both teams came together to honor long-time football coaches John D’Ambrosio of Bremen High School and Mike O’Neill from Victor J. Andrew High School.

Coach John D’Ambrosio worked as an English teacher at Bremen High School from 1971 to 2002. He served as the head football coach of the Braves for 18 years, from 1984-2002! He led 11 of his teams to the IHSA state playoffs during his tenure, reaching the quarter-finals in 1990 and 1995. Coach D’Ambrosio is a member of the Illinois High School Coaches Hall of Fame for football and wrestling. He is currently on the football staff at St. Xavier University and was a member of the 2011 N.A.I.A. National Championship team.

Coach Mike O’Neill worked as a business teacher at Andrew High School from 1986-2007. He served as the head football coach from 1986-2005. During his tenure, he led 12 of his teams to the IHSA state playoffs, reaching the semi-finals in 1992 and 1997. Coach Mike O’Neill has been acknowledged as a member of the Leo Hall of Fame, the St. Laurence Hall of Fame, the Illinois Coaches Hall of Fame, and just this year, the Andrew High School Hall of Fame.

Because of their dedication and commitment to their players and the sport, both D’Ambrosio and O’Neill were named Honorary Captains for the Braves home opener. Both coaches were brought out to the field for the coin toss and were given commemorative coins as well as game jerseys from Bremen and Andrew.