St. Rita of Cascia High School Announces New Head Cross Country Coach

CHICAGO – AJ Avery ‘12, Athletic Director, announced that Joe Gregory has been named our new Head Cross Country Coach.

Coach Gregory began running cross country as an athlete at DePaul University where he received his bachelor’s degree in physical education. While in college, he coached track at St. Rita High School. After graduating from DePaul, Gregory went on to have over a 30-year career coaching cross country at both the high school and grammar school levels. He coached varsity cross country at St. Rita’s former sister school, Maria High School, where ten of his cross country and track teams qualified at State. At Maria, he also led two of his cross country teams and two of his track teams to win the Catholic League Championships. More recently, he spent the last 29 years teaching physical education as well as coaching basketball, cross country, volleyball, and track at John C. Dore Elementary School before retiring.

“When the chance to coach at St. Rita came up when I retired, I jumped at the chance to take advantage of the opportunity,” Gregory said. “Attending Catholic schools my whole life has influenced me in a good way, and helping others to make themselves better as people and athletes is what I do best and will continue at St. Rita.”

Coach Gregory attended grammar school at St. Daniel the Prophet and went on to attend Quigley South High School where St. Rita currently stands. He and his wife, Michelene, have been married for 30 years, and they have three children: Sarah, Charles, and Joey.

Coach Gregory hopes he can be a positive mentor and influence our young Mustangs.

“When I was in high school, my father passed away, and I remember teachers and coaches who were there to help me,” Gregory said. “I now try to pass this onto others. I know a positive example and encouragement can help change lives.”