Elkhart coaching legend, Phil Teegarden, came to Memorial after a highly successful run at South Bend Saint Joseph's High School.  One of his assistants during the first decade of the 21st century was Kevin Downey, also a former player for Teegarden at St. Joe.  Downey left Memorial and garnered his first head coaching stint at, where else, St. Joe.  Now, Downey is coming full circle back to Elkhart Memorial, just like his predecessor.

   When asked about the similar travleing routes of both coaches, Downey downplayed any real comparisons, choosing instead to build up a man he calls one of his "mentors."  "Coach Teegarden was one of the guys who defined coaching for me.  I remember him being a coach when I was a little fifth-grader going to camp, and he was the coach when I was a freshman (at St. Joe)." 

   Downey seems enthusiastic and eager to get started at his new home.  When asked about the prospects of his new team, Downey referred to their athleticism more than anything.  "I know they have athletes and...I am amazed by their speed." 

   Now, Downey has little time to meet his players before school is dismissed for the summer, much less prepare them for the upcoming regime change.  He said his desire is to finalize the staff and get going as soon as possible.  "It is going to be a pretty dizzying pace.  We'll get them all together and get them going."  There is a Meet The Coach event planned for May 18th at 7:30 PM in the Little Theater at Elkhart Memorial.  The event is open to the general public and current, former, and future players and their family members, as well as Elkhart Memorial staff are all encouraged to attend.