HR0920 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0920 LRB102 28601 LAW 40482 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Richard L. "Coach Van" Van Scyoc, who passed away on August 5, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Richard Van Scyoc was born on March 30, 1924; he was the youngest of five siblings; he attended Eureka High School, where he made the honor roll, earned varsity letters in three sports as a Hornet, and gained the nickname "Lefty" from teammates; he served his country during World War II; he returned in 1945 and attended Illinois Wesleyan University, where he competed on the Titans' baseball team as its number one ace and left-handed pitcher; he married Mary Kathryn "Fuzz" Frerichs, and they had two daughters before she preceded him in death in 1976; he later married Karen Storey in June 1978, and they enjoyed 44 years together, including time spent with their two sons; and

WHEREAS, Richard Van Scyoc always knew he wanted to play ball and coach; he began his career at Armington High School as the men's high school basketball coach in 1949, staying for three years and creating lasting friendships; he then worked at Washington Community High School, where he assumed responsibility for the men's basketball program in 1952 and also served as athletic director; he led the program for 15 years and had many successful seasons, defeating some of Peoria's top teams and making the quarterfinals at the 1962 State Tournament; he joined the staff of Peoria Manual High School in 1966, taking the helm as the men's head basketball coach; he served at Manual High School for 28 years and ended his career with 826 wins, becoming the coach with the most wins in the history of the State of Illinois; during his 46-year career, he took six teams to the state finals while his teams became known for their tenacity and mental toughness; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Richard Van Scyoc was inducted into the Illinois High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame and the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame; he was a member of the Peoria Independent Sports Club and became a lifetime member of Significant Sigma Chi; he was honored with an endowed scholarship in his name at his alma mater, Illinois Wesleyan University, by his friends, family, and former ballplayers in 2007; he was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Peoria; and

WHEREAS, Richard Van Scyoc was happiest on the basketball court with his players; when not on the court, he could be found with Karen on his sun porch reading a good book or at his cabin on Lake Vermilion in Minnesota fishing for walleye; he was proud of his family; and

WHEREAS, Richard Van Scyoc was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nettie Mae Stover Van Scyoc; his brothers, Harold Van Scyoc, Harmol Van Scyoc, and Frank Van Scyoc; and his sisters, Ethel Blunier and Mary Van Scyoc; and

WHEREAS, Richard Van Scyoc is survived by his wife, Karen Van Scyoc; his daughters, Gwen (Chuck) Westendorf and Jan (Bob) Bogle; his sons, Steve (Cheryl) Van Waes and Dan (Jennifer) Van Waes; his grandchildren, Joy, Tiffany, Julie, Stacy, Leah, Clifton, and Laine; and his eight great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Richard L. "Coach Van" Van Scyoc and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Richard Van Scyoc as an expression of our deepest sympathy.