Our Coaches
Seth D. HimrodHeavyweights - Head Coach
ETHS graduate and member of Football and Baseball teams. Served 10 years in the U.S. Army and Reserve as an Infantryman, Paratrooper and Drill Instructor. Spent 3 years as a member of the 101st Airborne Division serving in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Coached Evanston Youth Baseball for 10 years and was Head Football coach at Washington School for 2 years. Currently is Director of Football Operations and Heavyweight Head coach of Evanston Jr. Wildkits Football (11 years). Certified by ASEP as High School Football and Baseball coach, certified Illinois High School Association Football and Baseball Coach. Certified in first aid, CPR and the Combat Lifesaver Course (military). Employee at City of Evanston ( Sanitation Dept). Wife DarLisa and has five children-Tim, Destini, Nykel, Nia, Nadia
Lorenzo JacobsHeavyweights - Asst. Coach
Born in Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles); ETHS Class of '95 (baseball); University of Illinois at U-C (BS Mathematics) '00; NEIU (2nd Bachelor's Elementary Ed) '06; 7th Grade Math Teacher ( Haven MS '06-pres.); Summer Youth Emp. Program Supervisor ('05-present); Jr. Wildkit coach/volunteer ('00-present); Married 6 years to Caryn Jacobs and father of 2 children (ages 8 and 1); dedicated Jr. Wildkit football since 2000; Academic Advisor & Equip. Mgr. since 2002. Tutor & mentor to kids since starting college.
H. Richard ShepherdHeavyweights - Asst. Coach
Graduated from Millard North High School in Omaha, NE.; lettered in varsity football for 3 years; received a scholarship to play college football at Wayne State (NE) College where he played Guard and Center; was offensive coordinator and head coach for the Chicago Force of the IWFL in 2004 and 2005; in addition to coordinating the offense, coaching duties included the offensive and defensive lines; married to Jillian Shepherd. Asst Coach for Flyweight-Evanston Jr. Wildkits. ASEP Certified.
Terrance DysonLightweights - Asst. Coach
Elgin Larkin High School Class of '92(football); Eastern Illinois Univ. '97(BS Sociology); Director, Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.('04-present);Youth Counselor/Mentor('97-present); Jr. Wildkit coach/volunteer('09...); Happily married 2 years to Tijen Dyson
Jerry MarshallLightweights - Asst. Coach
Has been a volunteer for Evanston Junior Wildkit Football coaching all levels the past 14 years. Volunteer at the Park Ridge Teen Center for three years. Certified by ASEP. Participated in football and wrestling at the Evanston High School while learning the many life skills that athletics teaches you. Proud of being a good husband, father, coach, mentor to young people, and someone who has continually given back to the community. Happily married to wife Amber for seven years; has two wonderful children. Works for Al Hatcher and Corporation as an Office Manager for the past eight years.
Marcus LaneMiddleweights - Head Coach
Graduate of ETHS where he lettered in Football all four years, Graduate of Illinois State University where he played football, played semi-professionally for the Lake County Chiefs Football Team; Jr. Wildkit Football Asst. & Head Coach since 2004; Chicago Pro-Am Men's Basketball Coach, and Evanston Small Fry Basketball Head Coach. He has two children-Marcus Jr. and Triston.
Tavish DavisMiddleweights - Asst. Coach
Graduate of ETHS where he lettered in football and wrestling all four years. He played semi-professionally for the Lake County Chiefs Football Team. Joined the coaching staff of the Jr. Wildkits in 2008. Plans to be ASEP certified for the 2009 season.
Jabaar McIntoshMiddleweights - Asst. Coach
Is a graduate of ETHS class of 94". A first year coach for the Jr. Wildkits. Employed at Sam's club for the past 12 years. Married to wife, Ameila. Has three boys Tevin, a 10th grader at ETHS, Dominick, a third grader at King Lab and Baby Justin in Daycare.
Tracey L. WallaceFlyweights - Head Coach
Graduate of ETHS were he played football for four years. Tracey went on to play college football at Milton College and the University of Whitewater in Wisconsin. He joined the coaching staff of the Jr. Wildkits in 2007 though has coached football, basketball, and baseball in Evanston over the past 10 years. He is now planning to become certified by the by ASEP this year. Tracey owns a consulting firm based in Evanston and has two sons, Marcus a Junior at ETHS and Max a 6th grader at Nichols Middle School.
Joseph King IIFlyweights - Asst. Coach
4 years as a C.O.E. POPS Basketball Coach, 3 years as a North Shore Hoops AAU Basketball Coach, 3 years AYSO Baseball, Honorable Mention All-American at Triton Community College, 2nd Team All-American at Milton College.
Mike P. SullivanFlyweights - Asst. Coach
Nashua (New Hampshire) High School Graduate and member of the Football Team. Former coach Durham (North Carolina) Eagles Pop Warner football.
Dan PhilipaitisAsst. Coach/Floater
Fifth year with the Evanston Jr. Wildkit Football program as a coach. Defensive Coordinator for the 2006 Lightweight CSL Championship team. Graduated from ETHS in 2002. Two year starter for the ETHS varsity football team. Played Jr. Wildkits in 7th and 8th grade. Graduate of St. Louis University, Class of 2006. Currently employed with Superior Ambulance as an EMT-Basic. Pursuing career as a firefighter/paramedic career.
Mike StrejcAsst. Coach/Floater
Graduated from Coloma High School in Michigan; Lettered in Varsity Football 3 years, All State Tight End; Lettered 4 years in football, baseball, and basketball at Kalamazoo College; Played in the CBA for the Grand Rapids Hoops; Receivers coach at Kalamazoo college (2 years); Coached high School baseball and basketball at Kalamazoo Central (2 years), Head coach in EBSA baseball for 6 years; Head Coach Rhodes Flag Football and basketball teams for 3 years; Coached Slammers travel softball. Certified by the Positive Coaching Alliance, and an instructor for CPR, First Aid, and AED’s. Two children- Danielle and Tristan.
Andrew WatkinsAsst. CoachAsst. Equipment Manager
Graduated from ETHS in 1987; played 2 years semi-pro with the Chicago Chargers and the Chicago Thunder; was an asst. coach and head coach for Jr. Wildkit Football from 2001-2005;rejoined the Jr. Wildkit staff for the 2008 season. Has seven kids-Andrew Jr., Jaronn, Deondre, Darell, Michael, Dorothea, Aaliyah.
Testimonials
This program is absolutely essential to the overall success of our kids; it teaches the kids to be dreamers and to strive for excellence. It also places an emphasis on education and development of character. I clearly would have benefited immensely if I had a program such as this as a young man. Congratulations to the Jr. Wildkit program, you are serving the Evanston community proudly!
Jr. Wildkit Football has made a significant difference in our son's life. He's learned to apply himself academically and to be more involved in day to day experiences.
Thank you coaches and staff at Evanston Jr. Wildkit Football. You were a Godsend! We have seen our boy grow into a fine young man. We are very happy that he was a part of your program. He has developed excellent character; thanks for your help!