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Bob Naughton - New Trier High School
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| Improving the lives of young athletes by helping them develop self-esteem, work ethic and life skills to become productive citizens was the guiding principle in the exceptional career of Bob Naughton, athletic director and coach. After completing an exemplary coaching tenure which included selection as the Chicago Tribune Coach of the Year (1965), as an inductee into the Illinois Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2000), as the Chicago Catholic League Man of the Year (1967) and as the Frank Leahy Award winner, he turned his energy and talent into improving the athletic program at New Trier High School – a 19-year commitment that increased that school’s athletic program to 29 sports and 89 levels of competition. Applying the determination and extraordinary diligence that mirrored his tenure on the sideline, Bob guided New Trier High School athletics effectively and efficiently – tirelessly advocating additional opportunities for high school athletes. Girls interscholastic competition was still in its infancy when Bob became New Trier’s athletic director. Working in league with his assistant, Lee Kennicke, he was able to enhance the overall program – providing a model for other school districts in the state. Under his leadership, New Trier High School produced 41 state championship teams. In the 1980’s, he became a leader in applying new technologies to assist in athletic administration and shared this valuable knowledge as a presenter at many workshops and athletic directors conventions. This service strengthened the connection with the Illinois Athletic Directors Association – a professional relationship that he approached with the same verve and attention to detail that marked his entire career. In 2000, the New Trier High School Board of Education gave tribute to the coach, teacher and athletic director who had given so much of himself by naming the school’s football stadium “Robert Naughton Field”. This honor, which he lists as one of the highlights of his career, signifies the esteem with which he is held by his community. That esteem is echoed by the Illinois Athletic Directors Association which welcomes him into the Hall of Fame. |
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