Athletic Hall of Fame: John Jones
INDUCTED 2004
Served Lemont High School from 1957-92, holding roles as a teacher, coach and athletic director… amassed 409 victories as the boys’ basketball coach from 1961-89… founded the Lemont Christmas Classic basketball tournament… tabbed as the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Coach of the Year in 1975 after leading his team to a school-record 26 wins and a Sweet 16 appearance… inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame in 1982 and also served as the organization’s president… tabbed as the Joliet-area Coach of the Year in 1970… served as a head coach for the Class A All-Star Game in 1986… cited as the Illinois Athletic Directors Association (IADA) Athletic Director of the Year in 1985… totaled 201 wins as the boys’ golf coach, and also served as a coach for baseball and boys’ track and field… received the school’s “Extra Mile” award in 1984 and its “Pride in Excellence” award in 1988… served as an assistant coach for Joliet Junior College’s National Championship squad in 1994… nominated for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Hall of Fame… established the girls’ athletics program at Lemont High School… member of numerous service organizations… author of many published articles on basketball strategy.