Our Staff
Craig S. Thompson, Executive Director
ETHS Graduate and member of the Football Team, Played College Basketball at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., Executive Director of Evanston Jr. Wildkit Football, Director of Evanston Small Fry Basketball, Director of North Shore Hoops-Evanston AAU Basketball, Former Celebration Manager-Evanston 4th of July Association, Evanston Traveling 5th & 6th grade Boys Basketball Coach, Pope John Paul XXIII Former Head Basketball Coach, Former FAAM Coach–Pistons, Former Lincolnwood School Head Basketball and Football Coach. Haven Middle School Boys Basketball Coach, Fleetwood-Jourdain Summer League Basketball Coach, Former Head Basketball Coach-Robert R. McCormick Boys Club, Former Nichols Middle School Girls Basketball Coach, ETHS Boys Basketball Assistant and Liaison; certified through ASEP as a listed, trained and certified High School Basketball and Football Coach. Certified Illinois High School Association Football and Basketball Coach. Has 5 children-Antoinette, Alauna, Antonio, Deon and Christina.
Seth D. Himrod, Director of Football Operations
ETHS graduate and member of Football and Baseball teams. Served 10 years in the U.S. Army and Reserve as an Infantryman, Paratrooper and 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 (9 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
Tracey L. Wallace, Program Manager
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 freshman at ETHS and Max a 5th grader at Dewey Elementary.
Lorenzo Jacobs, Program Academic Advisor
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.
Jerry Marshall,
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.
Courtney Rushing,
Courtney is a graduate of Paul Robeson High School where he was a member of the football team. He graduated and member of the football team at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He has coached for the Evanston House League baseball program, as well the flag football teams at Dawes and Kingsley middle schools. Now a staff coach for Jr Wildkits football program for 3 years. Currently certified through ASEP. Courtney has three children Briana, Courtney Jr. and Dria.
Marcus Lane,
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.
Dan Philipaitis,
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.
Tavish Davis,
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.
Mike P. Sullivan,
Nashua (New Hampshire) High School Graduate and member of the Football Team. Former coach Durham (North Carolina) Eagles Pop Warner football.
H. Richard Shepherd,
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.
Andrew Watkins,
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.
Cedric Chapman,
Graduated from Danville High School in Danville, IL. Was a 4 year Varsity letterman in football and 3 years in track & field. Graduated from Illinois State University competing in the Shot Put, Discus, and Hammer Throwing event. 5 time Missouri Valley Conference Champion, 5 time Division 1 NCAA qualifier and 2 time NCAA All-American in the Discus throw event. Was an interim assistant track & field coach at Illinois State from 1996-1997, assistant track & field coach at Illinois Wesleyan University from 1997-2000. Has Participated as a Jr. Wildkit Football Assistant Coach for 3 years 2004-2006. Works at First Bank & Trust in Evanston IL. Married to Tiffany Chapman, 2 children Nyla and Caelynn.
Kyle Wideman,
06’ Schaumburg High School Graduate and 4-year lettermen in Football. Played Division I football for Northern Illinois University for two years. Coached Heavyweight level for Hoffman Hawks under the POP Warner program. Majoring in Criminal Justice will graduate May 2010. Hopes to become ASEP certified to eventually coach at the high school level.
Terrance Dyson,
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
Brent Nance,
Born and raised in Evanston, IL. Attended ETHS, Member of ETHS (4 years) CO' 98 Undefeated regular season and Sectional qualifying football team where he played DL/LB. Attended Div III North Park University where he played football (Linebacker/Strong Safety) for 3 years. Graduated from NPU in 2002 with a Bachelors degree in Physical Education. He is employed as a patrol officer for the Waukegan Police Department. Coach Nance has coached with Evanston Jr. Wildkit Football at different levels for 5 years.
Joseph King II,
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 Wilson,
Evanston Jr. Wildkit Football Asst. Coach for the past two years.
Mike Strejc,
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.
Jabaar McIntosh,
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.
Testimonials
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!
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.
I am extremely grateful to Jr. Wildkit Football; it gave me a clearer perspective on what it took to be a better parent, better coach, and a better person. They truly walk the walk.
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