Chuck Kyle was a running back on the undefeated St. Ignatius High School team (Cleveland) in 1968. He then played briefly at John Carroll University before an injury shortened his career. After earning his undergraduate degree, Kyle returned to St. Ignatius as both an English teacher and assistant football coach in 1973. The rest is history.
Kyle became head coach in 1983. In the 30 years since that first season, he has helped accomplish the following:
· Now in his 30th year as head coach, Kyle recently won his 300th game. His overall record in mid-November stands at 301-68-1.
· His teams have won 11 Ohio Athletic Association State Championships – ’88, ’89, ’91-95, ’99, ’01, ‘08, and ’11.
· St. Ignatius won five straight titles from 1991-1995 and, under Kyle, four different teams finished 14-0.
· Kyle is a two-time winner of USA Today’s Prep Coach of the Year award and his teams have won three mythical national championships – ’89, ’93, and ’95.
· Under his direction, St. Ignatius has had a 39 game winning streak, a 38 game streak, and two 25 game streaks.
· His record in state championship games is 11-1 and his overall playoff record heading into 2012 stands at 61-12.
· He is a member of the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
· In 2009, Kyle received a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
· In 2009, Kyle helped guide Team USA to the gold medal in the Junior World Championships that were held in Canton.
“What sets Coach Kyle apart is his love for his players and his availability for former players,” said a former player. “What speaks volumes also is that he is a better teacher than coach.”
Besides teaching English, he also specializes in the works of both Chaucer and Shakespeare. And, in addition to all that, Kyle is also the head track coach.