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Father and Son state champions

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USD24

All-American
May 29, 2001
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To tag along with some of the best brothers to play. How about some father and son tandems who have excelled in Illinois high school football. From my experience, here are a few I am aware of.

From JCA/JCHS
Jonathan Voss (87) & Aiden - Both were outstanding quarterbacks who won state championships
Tyrone Issac(87) & Ty- Another pair of great running backs for the Hilltoppers- the elder Ty played at NIU and the younger Ty is one of the best RB's in Illinois high school history.
John Lausch (87) & Jack (Rice)- John was an all area linebacker on JCHS 87 championship team and went on to become the captain of the Harvard football team. Jack, as most on the board are aware, was one of the best QB's in Illinois high school of this generation. He played a few seasons at NU and is now the starting CF on the Northwestern baseball team.

And selfishly I have to include USD 24(87) & USDJR - We were both fortunate enough to win state championships at JC. It was very cool to be able to watch my son win a state championship some 35 years after I did at the same school.
 
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McCaravan

McCaravan

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Feb 1, 2016
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Are we talking about State Champion duos or just Father and son? Jack Lausch didnt win State at BR. Came close in Football and Baseball
 
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USD24

All-American
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McCaravan said:
Are we talking about State Champion duos or just Father and son? Jack Lausch didnt win State at BR. Came close in Football and Baseball.
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That's what I put in the title, but I was more referring to good Father and Son combos. If you are looking for state championship father and sons, you might be limited to guys from MC and JC ;).
 
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Still Missing34

All-Conference
Jul 12, 2005
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USD24 said:
That's what I put in the title, but I was more referring to good Father and Son combos. If you are looking for state championship father and sons, you might be limited to guys from MC and JC ;).
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If that's the case, the Cooney's have come close - Brian (head coach) won in '92 and son was runner up this year.
 
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Saints7078

Freshman
Apr 30, 2011
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At Providence several have come close ( all of the sons have been runner ups!!!!)

Lenahan: Tom 1996 and 1997 and Ryan runner up 2022 and 2025

Kettwig Mike: 1995 and 1996 and Dominic runner up 2025

Olszta Eddie: 1995, 1996, and 1997 and Eddie runner up 2022
 
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McCaravan

McCaravan

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This is a great article about a great MC family. There have been so many Father/Son that have played and won State at MC but the O'Brien family really stands out. For those who don't read the article here is what they did

Dad Rich State Champ 88 and 89
Son Rich State Champ 12 and 13
Son Marty State Champ 19
Son Nolan State Champ 22
*Obviously not MC but daughter Abby State Champ in Volleyball from McAuley 2016

7 rings. Dad and oldest son both won 2 under Frank Lenti, that's probably never been done where a father/son win 2 under the same coach! Here is the article
www.beverlyreview.net

Mt. Carmel’s O’Brien wins family’s seventh state title

Running out to midfield with his Mt. Carmel teammates as kickoff neared for the Class 7A state championship game, senior safety Nolan O’Brien tried to soak it all in.
www.beverlyreview.net www.beverlyreview.net
 
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Wassup13_rivals219252

All-Conference
Nov 9, 2002
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Jordan Westerkamp, think he had multiple state titles.

Father, Bob Westerkamp lost to Geneseo in the State Semifinals in 82.
 
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eagles2k3!

Freshman
Aug 29, 2025
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The Schmidt’s at IC. Dad won a title as head coach in 2008. lost to eventual champs Driscoll as a player for IC in ‘91? I think.

Son JP won a title(at least 1) as well.
 
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Caravan92

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Jul 28, 2025
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USD24 said:
That's what I put in the title, but I was more referring to good Father and Son combos. If you are looking for state championship father and sons, you might be limited to guys from MC and JC ;).
Click to expand...
This year alone, the MC media guide lists 4 players with fathers who won a state championship. There’s also 2 other players that I’m sure their fathers were on the 90 or 91 teams. I’d have to break out a yearbook to verify.
 
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