Gary DeCesare out at St. Rita

Gary DeCesare is out after ten years as St. Rita basketball coach. DeCesare declined to comment but Roshawn Russell, St. Rita’s athletic director, confirmed the news on Saturday.

DeCesare, a former DePaul assistant, was hired in 2009. The move made national news. He was one of the most successful high school coaches in the country during his 16 years at St. Raymond’s in New York. He built that Catholic high school in the Bronx into a national powerhouse, winning four city championships and two state championships.

DeCesare was never quite able to replicate that success in Chicago. The Mustangs were an impressive 182-110 and won four regionals during his tenure, but never won a sectional.

The Mustangs finished 24-9 last season, first place in the Catholic League White. They lost to Homewood-Flossmoor in the Class 4A regional finals.

DeCesare’s 2015 team, led by Charles Matthews, was his best. It finished 26-4 but lost to a loaded Simeon squad in the sectional final.

GARY DECESARE AT ST. RITA

2009-10: 14-13

2010-11: 12-15

2011-12: 16-11

2012-13: 19-8

2013-14: 21-8

2014-15: 26-4

2015-16: 13-19

2016-17: 19-11

2017-18: 18-12

2018-19: 24-9

TOTAL: 182-110