Rio steps down as Varsity Football Coach

By Erik Prado

Coach Rich Rio announced Dec. 14 that he will be stepping down as Lane Football coach, 13 years after taking the job. He will remain Lane’s Athletic Director, a position he has held since 1995.

The decision to retire as coach was planned, according to Rio.

“I talked with my family before the ’08 season and decided that [‘08] and the ’09 season would be my last,” said Rio. “I thought of spending more time with my family.”

Rio has been a coach for a total of 28 years. He first coached at Lane in 1976, starting as an assistant coach. After leaving an assistant position at Austin High School, Rio came back to Lane in 1990.

Rio then became the head coach in 1998 after his brother Ron Rio, who was head coach at the time, passed away.

During Rio’s tenure as head coach, his teams have produced two Public League championship teams in 2004 and 2008. His teams have also won eight conference titles and have qualified for the state playoffs 12 years. The ’09 team did not qualify for state.

When Rio first began his tenure as coach, he described the transition to the position from an assistant job as easy.

“I was very fortunate to have assistants that were former players,” said Rio.

Rio credits his success to the talent and hard work of his players over the years.

“I’ve been blessed to have great football players. I couldn’t be at a better school,” said Rio.

One of the games Rio will remember best occurred in 2004 when the football team finished with a record of 12-2 and faced York High School in the first round of the state playoffs.

“We were big underdogs,” said Rio.

Lane won the game 39-20.

“That was a great year. [The] kids played very well,” said Rio.

After losing to eventual state champion Downers Grove in the next round, Lane made it to the Prep Bowl. There, they faced Catholic League winner Brother Rice and were defeated 35-14. Even with the loss, Rio described the Prep Bowl appearance as an exciting moment.

Rio has only two regrets while being head coach.

“[You] always want to do better every year. I would have liked more success in state playoffs, and to win the Prep Bowl,” he said.

Off the football field, Rio still stays in touch with several of his former players.

“The most rewarding experience is to see former players come back with their families to say hello,” said Rio. “It brings a smile to my face.”

Rio wants to be remembered as a coach who was committed to the program, and one who wanted his players to always perform well.

The announcement of a new head coach will not be made until Rio and Dr. LoBosco review all resumes. According to Rio, a new coach could come from within Lane, or outside.

“We’ll hire the best candidate,” said Rio.