Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Gym to be named after beloved educator
WEST CHESTER » Emotions will run high tonight at West Chester East High School, and not just because of the basketball rivalry between the Vikings and the visiting Warriors of Henderson High School. In between the girls and boys varsity games, the East High gymnasium will be named after longtime West Chester Area School District educator and coach, Jack “Shug” Byrne.
“Jack Byrne served the West Chester Area School District for over 40 years. He was a teacher, mentor, and friend to me,” said East Athletic Director, Sue Cornelius.
“He taught us to always give our best effort and to learn from every experience whether good or bad. It was through Jack’s vision and personal efforts that WCASD athletics became firmly established within the West Chester community and well-recognized competitor in the Ches-Mont League, District I and PIAA.”
Byrne’s career began in 1964 as an educator and coach at Henderson High School. A decade later, he became the first football coach at East High School, building a successful football program. In 1987, he was named athletic director and faced challenging times as the Ches-Mont League moved from 12 schools to four. Under Byrne’s leadership, the Ches-Mont league remained competitive, as schools were continually vying for district and state championships. WC East captured four state titles during Byrne’s tenure as athletic director. He retired in 2003, but remained active in the district, serving as interim athletic director at East, Henderson, and Rustin. When Rustin High School opened its doors in 2006, Byrne developed the school’s athletic program.
“I got to know Jack when I started out in the Rustin Athletic Department,” said Rustin Athletic Director, Chris Lunardi. “His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support helped me through some tough times during the early years at Rustin. I will forever cherish the ten years I got to share with him.”
“Jack Byrne served the West Chester Area School District for over 40 years. He was a teacher, mentor, and friend to me.” — Sue Cornelius, East Athletic Director
Byrne received the nickname “Shug” by his physical education teacher when he was a young student in Philadelphia.
“Jack’s teacher used to call all of the boys ‘Shug’ because he couldn’t remember all of their names. The name stuck with him,” laughed Henderson High School Athletic Director Ken McCormick.
“Everyone in their life can think back to the person who guided them along the pathways of life,” added McCormick. “Jack was the one for me. He was my coach, my teacher, and my idol. Later on, he became my mentor and friend. Instead of my education being guided by ‘no child left behind’ or ‘race to the top,’ I was guided by Shug Byrne and his true belief in me to succeed in life.”
East High School Principal Dr. Kevin Fagan said naming the gym in Byrne’s honor is a testament to the legacy he leaves behind.
“We are proud to call Jack a Viking,” said Fagan.
Byrne was inducted into several local Hall of Fames – Ches-Mont League, Killinger, and Chester County. He passed away March 8, 2017 at the age of 75.
The dedication ceremony will take place at approximately 6:30 p.m. this evening at East High School. The public is invited to attend.