Brian Storako

Excited for this group! These gentlemen have excelled not only on the field but have set the example in the classroom as well!

If it hasn’t already, the SD228 school board needs to begin the planning process of naming its school stadium at Bremen after a leader who loved kids, high school sports and his community as much as anyone. That’s something people need to be reminded of each time they walk into “Coach D Stadium.” SD228 consists of four high schools - Bremen, Oak Forest, Tinley Park and Hillcrest High Schools - but there was only one John D’Ambrosio. From 1971 to 2004, Coach D’s personality lit up the hallways of Bremen and helped 1,000s of kids and families. He dedicated his life to education and athletics as an English teacher and HOF coach in wrestling and football, while also coaching track and baseball. As a young reporter, Coach D always had a funny line or two for me - especially when two-sport fall star Brian Storako was kicking for the football team and starring in goal for the soccer team. In total, Coach D spent 50-plus years coaching football. After retiring from Bremen in 2004, he continued coaching for nearly 20 more years as quarterbacks coach at Saint Xavier University. Coach D, 76, passed away back in April, but his impact on Bremen, its kids, families and communities will be talked about for generations to come. And that’s something 1,000s of kids and families need to be reminded of each and every time they walk into Bremen’s stadium.