Posted by chicagomedia.org on March 05, 2009 at 10:21:43:
Coaching at Notre Dame is 'awesome' for North
By DAN SHALIN | Sun-Times
March 5, 2009
Most Chicago sports fans know Mike North and Dan Jiggetts have recently resumed their broadcast partnership.
But many may be unaware of North's involvement with another team, namely the Notre Dame High School boys basketball team. The hot dog vendor-turned media celebrity is in his second year as an assistant coach for the Dons, who brought a 17-8 record into Tuesday night's IHSA Class 4A Notre Dame Regional semifinals.
North volunteers his time on head coach Tom Les' staff, offering a little bit of hoops knowledge, some empathy and -- perhaps surprisingly -- a calming voice.
"He has a good perspective. Not necessarily Xs and Os, but perspective about what (kids) are thinking and what they're doing," said Les, in his second season at the helm. "He likes the kids, and the kids like him. I'm pretty tough on the kids. So when I'm on them, he puts an arm around them. We work well together."
North, the laid-back member of the staff?
"People can't believe it after they watch me on TV or listen to me on the radio," said the always outspoken and sometimes controversial broadcaster. "I'm the guy that's going to have to pat the kids on the back and say, 'We'll go back and get 'em.' "
North, whose television show, "Monsters in the Morning," is on Comcast, said the Notre Dame opportunity came along at just the right time in his life.
"It's awesome. I quit drinking two years ago and said, 'How am I going to eat up the six or seven hours a day if I'm not drinking anymore?' " he said. "I found a nice little release and it's helped me so much. The best thing that's ever happened to me, especially in the last two years since I stopped drinking, is Notre Dame High School. It's not really a hobby, it's an adventure."
North's involvement with the program began prior to last season when he was emceeing a fund-raiser at the Niles school. Les, whose brother Jim is the head basketball coach at Bradley University and a sometimes North guest, introduced himself to the host.
"(North) said, 'If there is anything I can do to help, I'm more than willing.' So I took him up on his offer," said Les, also a volunteer coach who works full-time as an electrical and mechanical contractor.
North joined the staff after receiving his coaching certificate, which included passing an eight-hour test. He now sits on the bench alongside Les and fellow assistants Tom Mocogni and Kevin Clancy, the latter a one-time Dons star who played college ball at Loyola.
North believes the coaches' real-world success also helps them impart life skills to the student-athletes. After attending every practice during his rookie campaign, television commitments have limited North to about two practices per week this winter. North often mentions the team on his show, and the school is a sponsor.
The ND gig isn't North's first involvement with Illinois high school sports. A decade ago, he was instrumental in establishing 16-inch softball as a varsity sport in the Chicago Public League. Currently, 54 schools field teams.
North has had his detractors over the years. But the Senn High alum continues to appeal to fans who enjoy his everyman persona, his strong opinions and willingness to ask tough questions.
Though North has achieved fame and fortune, Notre Dame star guard Mike DiGregorio said the talk show host-turned-coach remains down to earth.
"He doesn't come in and flash fancy stuff around us," DiGregorio said. "He comes across as a regular guy, who happens to be famous and have a show."