Playing “Can you top this” is going to be a pretty tough proposition for Dan Murray.
The former Lisle and Immaculate Conception coach is taking over a girls basketball program at Marian Catholic that’s averaged 28 victories since the 2001-02 season and has earned first-, second-, third- and fourth-place state trophies under Shannon Reidy and Annie Byrne.
“Yes, it goes without saying how much success they’ve had over the last number of years,” said Murray, who was hired Monday to replace Annie Byrne, who resigned to become the director of operations at Legends Sportsplex in Bourbonnais after leading the Spartans to the 2012-13 Class 4A state title.
“Obviously, you just hope you can come in and try to continue to keep the program at the high level that’s already been established by the last two coaches,” Murray said. “They did a fantastic job.”
Murray brings in some impressive achievements of his own. In three seasons at Lisle he compiled a 61-27 record. The Lions won the Interstate Eight title with an unbeaten ledger in 2013. Murray also holds the all-time record for wins at Immaculate Conception, where he coached for 10 seasons.
“It was incredibly hard to leave Lisle,” Murray said. “I’ve worked with a lot of great people … and I had a great group of kids. But on the other hand, obviously, I think everyone very well knows the tradition of this program. And it’s a challenge for myself personally that I’m embarking on.”
Murray will be a member of Marian’s physical education staff. He is scheduled to meet the Spartans players later in the week.
“The thing I’m going to try to stress is just the process that it takes to be successful,” he said. “Just go to work every single day and work hard and go about your business the right way and if you do that good things will happen.
“I don’t think you can work too far ahead. That’s when you start taking shortcuts and stuff. So we’re going to concentrate on day to day business.”
Murray’s resume also includes four state regional titles and three 20-win seasons at Immaculate Conception. In 2009-10, the Knights were 29-4.
“Dan brings a great background to the position,” Marian Catholic athletic director Dave Mattio said in a news release. “He has previous experience as a head coach in both the private and public school sectors. He has served as a lower-level coach and has provided excellent leadership in programs as a head coach for 13 seasons.
“Dan has further enhanced his professional development by being a frequent participant in summer camps, clinics and youth programs. He will be an excellent addition to the Marian Catholic sports programs.”
