J’burg tabs McGruder as coach

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Sean McGruder had all the confidence in his ability to coach high school basketball, even with limited experience at that level.

After meeting and interviewing McGruder, Johnsburg athletic director Bruce Harbecke and the school administration agreed. In Tuesday night’s District 12 board meeting, McGruder officially was hired as boys basketball coach. McGruder spent the past two seasons as sophomore basketball coach at Round Lake. He also coached with the junior varsity team.

“I knew I had the skill, leadership and ability to be a high school coach,” McGruder said. “I’ve logged more games than a lot of high school coaches [in travel basketball]. I feel like I have a good background with all the mentors I’ve had.”

McGruder has extensive experience with Deerfield-based Rising Stars/Joy of the Game, including coaching both of NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan’s sons, Jeffrey and Marcus. McGruder graduated from Gurnee Warren and played on practice squads at Southern Illinois, Oregon State and Illinois State. Harbecke believes that experience and variety are pluses.

“We see an ability to teach,” Harbecke said. “Basketball is often too overcoached and undertaught. Sean’s enthusiasm is incredible. That came out loud and clear in his interview.”

McGruder and his girlfriend, Cara Losch, have a 6-year-old son, Ethan, and live in McHenry. McGruder also has a daughter, Kelsey Ulrich, who is 9. He plans on keeping his job as teacher’s assistant at Round Lake.