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Downey,
who worked as an assistant for the Saints
in the spring of 1995, replaced Mark Fehrenbacher,
who served in the head coaching capacity
for seven years. Fehrenbacher stepped
down after he was given more responsibilities
as the course manager at Heritage Bluffs
Golf Course in Channahon.
“Paul
Downey is a fine coach, teacher and human
being and will take the golf team to the
next level,” praised Fehrenbacher,
whose teams were no slouches themselves.
In fact, during Fehrenbacher’s seven-year
run, his teams captured four NAIA District
20 titles, placed among the top three
squads in the old Chicagoland Collegiate
Golf Conference on five occasions and
gained national tournament bids no less
than four times.
Cliff
Kelley inaugurated the program back in
1979 and passed on the reins to Jack Gallagher
two years later. Gallagher, who coached
Fehrenbacher back in the early ‘80s,
then ran the team for the next six seasons
before giving way to his former player
in 1988.
“When
given the opportunity to join the staff
(as an assistant in 1995), I considered
it to be a great honor,” stated Downey.
“ (Then-athletic director) Pat Sullivan
had developed a highly respected athletic
program here.
“Then,
to have the chance to become the head
coach, it was a great thrill for me. I
was able to again get the opportunity
to share one of my loves with the kids.
The opportunity to do what you enjoy doing
is a definite plus.”
Downey
began his coaching career in 1982 as an
assistant golf coach at Joliet East High
School. Five years later, he became the
head coach at Joliet West. During his
time there (1987-1993), Downey had an
individual and/or team qualify for the
sectional tournament each year. He also
had one player qualify for the state tournament
and his 1992 team went undefeated in the
SICA West Conference.
“I
have known Paul for many years and I know
he'll continue the success that this program
has grown accustomed to,” said Sullivan
after naming Downey head coach. “Paul
was very much respected at both the conference
and state level when he directed the teams
at Joliet West High School.”
Downey,
who is single and resides in Joliet, currently
serves on the board of the USA Junior
Golf Association. He also is a charter
member of the Joliet Sweet Swingers Golf
Club.
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