Former Addison Trail baseball coach to be inducted into Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame

For more than 30 years, Paul Parpet was a fixture of Addison Trail athletics.

He joined the Addison Trail staff in 1976 as a physical education teacher and later taught driver’s education and served as the Physical Education Department Chair. During his time at Addison Trail, Parpet coached baseball, football and basketball. He was named as Head Baseball Coach in 1990 and held that position until he retired in 2010.

Throughout the years, Parpet could often be seen helping student-athletes reach their potential on and off the field. And on Jan. 25, Parpet will be recognized for his contributions, as he will be inducted into the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association (IHSBCA) Hall of Fame. That prestigious award recognizes those who have provided selfless efforts and longstanding commitments to improve high school baseball.

“Parpet has been an inspiration to both the students and athletes of Addison Trail,” said Addison Trail Principal Adam Cibulka. “He has made a positive impact on countless students, both in the classroom and on the field. Coach Parpet's enthusiasm and love for his school and students are unrivaled. I am honored to have worked with him, and his legacy lives on today.”

Although he retired three years ago, Parpet continues to coach the girls bowling team at Addison Trail, the football team at Downers Grove North and the baseball team at Downers Grove South. Parpet said coaching and teaching students will always be a part of who he is, and he’s honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“Teaching and coaching are synonymous,” Parpet said. “If you enjoy teaching, you’re going to enjoy coaching. Being nominated for and receiving this award is a great honor. Any time you’re recognized by your peers, it’s pretty neat. This award isn’t just for me – it’s for the school and the community as well. I will always bleed Addison Trail navy blue, and that school will forever be a huge part of my life.”

And this won’t be Parpet’s first hall of fame recognition. He was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA) Hall of Fame in 2002.

Parpet will be recognized during the IHSBCA Hall of Fame dinner on Jan. 25, which will begin at 5:30 p.m. (cocktails). The dinner will be at The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center, 70 Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard. For those who would like to attend the dinner, tickets cost $50 each. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the IHSBCA, and reservations must be made by Jan. 18. To RSVP, or for more information, contact Don Sutherland at dsutherland@d155.org or 847-639-3825.