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The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association is proud to announce our 2025 Achievement Awards! Awards will be presented at our Hall of Fame Banquet in May.
Derril Kipp Courage Award
Kevin and Jodi Brown - KB Strong Foundation
At the time of his Hall of Fame induction, Kevin had won more than 400 games in a 21-year coaching career that included stints at Bloomington Central Catholic High School, Eaton, Colorado High School, and Washington High School. In his first 14 seasons with the Panthers, Washington earned a 323-91 record. His overall record stood at 423-183 at the time of his induction. Kevin coached Central Catholic to an IHSA Class A Elite Eight berth in 2002 and guided Washington to 4th place in the 2008 IHSA Class 3A State Tournament. His career includes 9 IHSA regional titles, 3 sectional titles and 11 twenty-win seasons.
When Kevin Brown was diagnosed with glioblastoma, he wanted to be a cancer survivor and he wanted to help others in their battle against this terrible disease. Unfortunately, after a courageous 10-month battle, Kevin passed on June 11, 2019. His wife, Jodi, family and friends are committed to keeping his legacy alive by carrying on the mission of KBSTRONG - Fighting the Fight…raise awareness of Glioblastoma, fund research for Glioblastoma and help others affected by this deadly disease.
The Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions is held every November at Washington High School and brings not only the best high school teams in Illinois but in the nation. At this year’s tournament, the IBCA will present Jodi Brown and family with the Derril Kipp Courage Award. This is well deserved and the IBCA wants to honor and thank the KBStrong Foundation for their continued dedication.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to Kevin and Jodi!
Chuck Rolinski Award
Mike Kolze - Highland Park H.S. and East Lyden H.S.
Mike’s 25 years of coaching began with two years as a graduate assistant at Illinois State University. He went on to be an assistant coach at West Leyden High Schol and Highland Park High School. In 1985, Mike became head coach at Highland Park HS leading the Giants to 193 wins, 4 conference titles and two regional championships. Coach Kolze was inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame – Class of 2016.
Mike began his tenure with the IBCA in 1986 as District 4 Chairman and held that position until 1998. He was selected as the 14th IBCA President and served from 1995 thru 1997. Mike then served as Associate Executive Director for 15 years (2000-2014) until the passing of Executive Director Chuck Rolinski. He stepped away from the IBCA at that time knowing a “New Tradition” would begin. Mike’s role as the long-time Boys All-State Team Chairman exemplifies his dedication to the IBCA. As many of our best officers did, he spent a great deal of time in the office helping Chuck. The IBCA appreciates his years of service as one of the BEST! Congratulations Coach Kolze!
Ron & Rich Herrin Award
Jack Fitzgerald - Leo H.S., Richards H.S., St. Xavier University, Miami Heat
Jack Fitzgerald served Chicago Leo, Tinley Park and Oak Lawn Richards High Schools as varsity boys’ basketball coach in his 23-year-career. In 17 years at Leo, “Fitz” compiled a record of 318-70 with Chicago Catholic League titles in 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1989 and a conference title in 1993. His teams won 18 holiday tournaments, 6 IHSA Regional crowns and 2 IHSA Sectional titles. Coach Fitzgerald spent six seasons at Richards and compiled a 125-42 mark as he coached future NBA legend Dwyane Wade. The Bulldogs ruled three straight SICA North seasons in 1998, 1999 and 2000 and captured five holiday tournament titles, 3 IHSA Regionals and 2 IHSA Sectionals. Overall, Jack was 447-224 and he was selected as an IBCA District Coach of the Year 11 times. He is also in the Leo, Lewis University, Chicago Catholic League, and IBCA Halls of Fame. Coach Fitzgerald was the Catholic League Coach of the Year in 1986 and in 1988 received the Leo High School Alumni Distinguished Service Award. Jack spent six years as an assistant coach at St. Xavier University and 12 years as a scout for the Miami Heat.
Jack’s dedication to the IBCA began in 1991 serving as a District Chairman and in 1997 was selected as vice president of the IBCA. He continues to attend IBCA functions and is a great source of information and advice when needed.
Congratulations to Coach Fitzgerald!
