On May 3, 2012, St. Rita Athletic Director and Varsity Head Baseball Coach, Mike Zunica was joined by family, friends and colleagues at the 52nd Annual Hall of Fame Induction Banquet of the Chicago Catholic League. Zunica was one of fifteen men honored by the Chicago Catholic League Coaches Association for their contributions to academic and athletic excellence within Chicago Catholic high school athletics
Coach Mike Zunica is currently entering his 16th season as Varsity Head Baseball Coach at St. Rita High School. He has amassed an overall record of 440 – 141. During his tenure, he has lead the Mustangs to 9 regional championships, 4 sectional championships, 4 super-sectional championships, and 9 Elite 8 appearances, including summer state championships in 2005 and 2009, and a 2nd place finish in both the spring of 2009 and 2010.
In addition to their success on the field, the St. Rita Mustangs Baseball team is proud of their comparable achievements in the classroom. This year’s Varsity Mustangs have 17 student members of the National Honor Society. During Mike’s tenure as head baseball coach, he has witnessed four members of his team earn the distinction of Class Valedictorian. St. Rita principal, Brendan Conroy said, “We are fortunate to have a baseball coach and athletic director like Mike, whose passion for St. Rita and commitment to the growth and improvement of his athletes and all our students is truly an inspiration.”
“I believe the greatest gift you can give your kid is a Catholic education,” said Zunica, who gave special thanks to his parents for the sacrifices they made to send him to Catholic schools. Zunica’s wife, Jacqui and three children, Camille, Michael and Mateo were also present at the induction ceremony. During the past four years, Zunica had the opportunity to coach his son, Mike, who will be graduating from St. Rita this month and entering Columbia University in New York to play football in the fall.
