Introduction to a Coaching Legend
CHICAGO — At DePaul College Prep’s campus on the North Side, the boys’ basketball championship rally has become an annual rite of spring. They’ve held one in each of the last three years – thanks in large part to their coach, Tom Kleinschmidt. It’s not often that a high school’s best basketball player becomes its best basketball coach, too. But Kleinschmidt has always defied the odds.
Early Life and Basketball Career
“Thirteen years ago, people laughed at us when we said that t the first team because we were not very good at the time, now it’s kind of coming to fruition, it feels pretty good,” Kleinschmidt said.
Kleinschmidt
In 1990, as a 6-foot-5-inch junior, he led an underdog Gordon Tech team to the state championship game and a runner-up finish to King, then ranked as the top team in the nation. But Kleinschmidt led all scorers in the IHSA tournament.
Building a Dynasty at DePaul Prep
In 2012, returned to his alma mater (later re-named DePaul prep) as the head coach, and he built a powerhouse program that has just completed a rare three-peat championship, becoming just the fifth school to win three consecutive IHSA boys basketball championships in Illinois history. “I’ve been blessed,” Kleinschmidt said. “Everything’s come together. I have great players. I have great support. I work hard at it. I have a great coaching staff. I trust them and we get results.”
Coaching Philosophy and Values
The results are astonishing. Over the last three years, DePaul Prep has amassed a record of 91-and-18. The team has made it to the IHSA final four in 5 of the last 7 years. “When I got into coaching, I thought it was about wins and losses,” he said. “Then the first day, you’re hit with a kid that’s having a problem a real problem at home. Everything changes from that point. I’m here to mentor and help kids. If we win along the way, and we give them some life skills, that’s what it’s about.” The values he instills in his players – respect, discipline, and hard work — are the same ones he learned growing up on the city’s Northwest Side around Riis Park and Shabbona Park.
Influences and Mentors
He was influenced by legendary Gordon Tech coaches like Dick Versace, Tony Barone, and Steve Pappas. He still shares the words of Pappas with his teams at DePaul Prep. “He told us, and I remember distinctly – and I tell our team – when we’re having a rough practice, or we’re not getting along, look to your left and look to your right in that huddle after practice, these guys are going to be your best friends for the rest of your life,” Kleinschmidt said.
College Basketball and Beyond
In that gym, his No. 34 now hangs in the rafters, a number he chose to emulate two other hard-working sports legends. “Walter Payton and Charles Barkley,” Kleinschmidt said. “Those were my two guys. Growing up as a kid. I loved who they were as players and their toughness, so yeah, I took No. 34.” When it came time for college, he took his blue-collar mentality to the Blue Demons of DePaul university, where fans renamed the cheering sections “Kleinschmidt Kountry.”
Legacy and Impact
Under coach Joey Meyer, he became a DePaul University basketball legend – the school’s first ever player to finish his career with 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 steals, and 100 three-pointers. “I wanted to stay home. I’ve got a big family, a lot of friends who supported me in high school, and I wanted to play in front of a hometown crowd. I love Chicago,” he said.
Conclusion
Tom Kleinschmidt’s story is one of dedication, hard work, and a passion for basketball. From his early days as a player to his current role as a coach, he has inspired countless individuals with his values and philosophy. His legacy continues to grow, and his impact on the sport of basketball will be felt for years to come.
FAQs
Q: What is Tom Kleinschmidt’s coaching record at DePaul Prep?
A: Over the last three years, DePaul Prep has amassed a record of 91-and-18 under Kleinschmidt’s leadership.
Q: What values does Kleinschmidt instill in his players?
A: Kleinschmidt instills the values of respect, discipline, and hard work in his players.
Q: Who were some of Kleinschmidt’s influences and mentors?
A: Kleinschmidt was influenced by legendary Gordon Tech coaches like Dick Versace, Tony Barone, and Steve Pappas.
Q: What is Kleinschmidt’s coaching philosophy?
A: Kleinschmidt’s coaching philosophy is focused on building relationships with his players and helping them develop life skills, rather than just focusing on wins and losses.
