LUKE MERTENS ’94 NAMED SAINT PATRICK HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
(Chicago, IL, December 15, 2021) – Saint Patrick High School is proud to announce that 1994 alum Luke Mertens has been named the new head football coach.
“Today is a special day for Saint Patrick High School,” said President Dan Santucci ’02. “First, allow me to take this opportunity to thank Coach Adam Guerra for his five years of service and dedication to our football program. The Shamrock community is incredibly proud of his team’s accomplishments, including the history-making playoff run this season.”
In announcing Luke Mertens ’94 as the new head football coach, President Santucci said, “Moving forward it is imperative that the head of our football program be dedicated to the growth of our program, focused on player development, and promote a winning mindset in all that we do. At the end of the day, our primary role is to help our boys become successful young men.”
Mertens becomes the 11th head football coach and the first Saint Patrick alum to be named to the post in the school’s 161-year history. He brings 19 years of coaching experience at the high school level, serving as an assistant at St. Pat’s and St. Rita, before moving onto head coach at Lakes and Lake Zurich. As head coach, his teams won six conference championships, earned 11 state playoff appearances and a state runner-up finish in 2017. During that time, Mertens also helped guide over 100 players to continue their playing careers at the collegiate level, 18 All-State selections, four National Merit Scholar Finalists, 40 Illinois State Scholars, 39 Academic All-State Selections and countless All-Conference recognitions.
“Since stepping away, I am constantly asked if I ever plan to coach again. My response is always the same – only if I find the perfect fit. I have found the perfect fit in Saint Patrick High School and its new leadership team,” said Mertens, who will address the team this afternoon. “I am humbled and honored to be entrusted with carrying on the proud tradition of my alma mater and instilling Shamrock Pride in the young men on the Northwest Side of Chicago.”
“Personally, I was fortunate to benefit from Coach Mertens’ leadership, passion and positive energy during my time as a player at Saint Patrick,” Santucci said. “I know he embodies the skills and mentality necessary to win championships at St. Pat’s. His success as a player and coach at the high school level speaks for itself but beyond this, he is a man of character and is passionate about developing the overall person which falls directly in line with my vision for our great school.”
Guerra, who compiled a 20-26 overall record as head coach, will continue in his role as Dean of Students.
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ABOUT SAINT PATRICK HIGH SCHOOL
Now in its 161st year, Saint Patrick High School’s mission is to prepare leaders inspired by faith, tradition and brotherhood. Guided by innovative Lasallian principles, Saint Patrick welcomes students of other religious beliefs, varying academic abilities, and diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Sloan
Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications
773.282.8844 ext. 231 | jsloan@stpatrick.org
