By Jackson Mendoza ‘23

Brother Rice has a new basketball coach for this upcoming season!

Coach Conte Stamas has been named as the new head coach for the varsity basketball team and is excited to get to work. Coach Stamas’ responses will excite Brother Rice fans.

Why was Coach Stamas drawn to apply for the position at Brother Rice? He said, “Initially I knew about the basketball tradition at Brother Rice, but I didn’t know much else about the school, neighborhood, and the community. So as I became interested in the position, I started to look at the academic component. Thirty-six Illinois state scholars a couple of years ago and 17 more last year really drew me as this place values academics. During the interview process the people I started to meet – Mr. Donohue, Mr. Fahey, and Mr. Alberts – were such great people who were interested in both academics and athletics that they wanted well-rounded students, and that is what I’m looking for.”

Coach Stamas talked about how his past experiences will help him in this coaching role: “I have been fortunate enough to have a terrific career. I coached at the Division 1 level, Division 3 level, two colleges in Xavier University and Stetson University, and two high schools in Evanston and Lyons Township. We were able to take Lyons to number 4 in state in my second year. I’ve had a wide range of experience that I think I can draw on to help this program and this school to continue and uphold the great tradition they have.”

What is Coach Stamas most excited about this upcoming season? He said, “I’m excited about meeting new people here, working with the players on a daily basis, and learning more about Brother Rice.”

Getting to know the players is arguably one of the most important things a new coach has to do. Coach Stamas said, “When I was hired, I immediately had a team meeting and we talked about my vision, philosophy, and my expectations. We have also had open gym workouts and weight lifting workouts, so I’m getting to know them on a personal level.”

What can Crusader fans expect from the team this season? Coach Stamas said, “My teams historically have focused on trying to play harder than their opponent. They play unselfishly and play together. My motto is “play hard, play smart, play together”, so if we do those things on a nightly basis, I think the product on the floor will be exciting to watch.”

The basketball team is coming off a 24-7 record and is ready to start a new era with Coach Stamas.