Gordie’s Fairy Dust

"Occasionally Coach Gillespie crossed into the realm of the surreal. In many ways he was a common man, one with whom you could relate to immediately and without hesitation. At other times his wisdom was astounding, leaving the rest of us wondering how he did it." Gordie seemed to have magic at his disposal. He … Continue reading Gordie’s Fairy Dust →

The Unrecognized Coach Gillespie

Most people who have known or read about Gordie Gillespie are aware of his coaching records and outstanding leadership accomplishments. (18 Halls of Fame!) He was a teacher and a true gentleman. At a deeper level there are people who played on his teams, were his students, and worked alongside him as his assistants, associates, … Continue reading The Unrecognized Coach Gillespie →

Gordie Gillespie Showed What Leading is About

Anyone who has played for, or taught by, Coach Gordie Gillespie will know this to be true. I was fortunate to have played two sports - baseball and basketball - for four seasons each, and then was his assistant coach/athletic administrator for five years. During those critical years, I witnessed the epitome of leadership. I … Continue reading Gordie Gillespie Showed What Leading is About →

Coaching with Gordie: A Path to All Paths

"What we have learned from our teachers is far more important than their physical presence. Our teachers have transmitted to us the fruit of all their wisdom and experience." Thich Nhat Hanh Thousands of athletes have had the opportunity to be coached by Gordon Gillespie. Arguably the most outstanding coach that the country has ever seen, … Continue reading Coaching with Gordie: A Path to All Paths →

Gordie Gillespie: Portrait of a Leader

“With a winning combination of substance and style, Gordie was leadership personified. He was a man endowed with qualities that brought out the best in others, to rise above higher than they envisioned possible, and to achieve a common goal.” In light of the current atmosphere locally, nationally, and internationally, it might be worthwhile to … Continue reading Gordie Gillespie: Portrait of a Leader →

Records Show that Gordie was the Greatest Coach in American Sport: A “Coach for All Seasons.”

Special thanks to Pat Sullivan for his research on Gordie records and more than a few hours of discussion. Past blogs on Gordie Gillespie have focused on teaching and coaching athletes, not on his statistics. It was an effort to document how he directly and indirectly influenced thousands of young people’s lives. By sharing these … Continue reading Records Show that Gordie was the Greatest Coach in American Sport: A “Coach for All Seasons.” →

Gordie Gillespie: Master Teacher and Coach

Part 3 of 3: Evolution When I first heard their names, I thought it was pretty funny. I was a skinny Braidwood kid just entering a high school in Joliet where I was a freshman. It was funny because I was sitting in the old gym bleachers with perhaps 200 other 13-14-year-old boys when the faculty … Continue reading Gordie Gillespie: Master Teacher and Coach →

Now I Know Coach Gordie Gillespie

You never know who will spring into your life and make such a remarkable impact that it determines your destiny. I have written three blogs that capture my journey with the man who would literally change the lives of thousands of men and women. Similar stories about him have been told or written by many … Continue reading Now I Know Coach Gordie Gillespie →

Who is Coach Gordie Gillespie?

The Humility of Coach Gillespie: A True Leader

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.”C.S. Lewis When people talk about the wondrous accomplishments of Coach Gordie Gillespie, topics usually center on baseball and football championships, the number of wins over his long career, halls of fame, captivating speeches, and the impact made on thousands of students and athletes. Indeed, … Continue reading The Humility of Coach Gillespie: A True Leader →