Saint Viator Alumnus Returns to Lead Boys' Basketball Program

Saint Viator Athletic Director Jason Kuffel announced the hiring of Michael O'Keeffe '07 as the new head coach of the varsity boys’ basketball team. O’Keeffe works as a counselor at Wheeling High School and has spent the last five years leading the Wildcat basketball program.
 
“We are very excited about the vision Michael has for the future of our boys’ basketball program,” said Kuffel. “He has done an incredible job improving the culture and overall program at Wheeling and as a former Saint Viator student, Michael understands our Viatorian values, reputation for athletic excellence, and commitment to shaping strong men on and off the court.”
 
O’Keeffe has been coaching at the high school level since 2011. Most recently, he served as the varsity head coach at Wheeling High School, where his team won the 2019 Battle at the Ridge Thanksgiving Tournament—the first tournament championship in Wheeling basketball history. Five Wheeling basketball players have gone on to play at the collegiate level during his five-year tenure as head coach. After graduating from Saint Viator High School, O’Keeffe earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and an M.A. in school counseling from Lewis University 
 
“I am passionate about leading and teaching all student-athletes academically, spiritually, socially, and on the court,” said O’Keeffe. “My goal at Saint Viator is to build on the success of the basketball program by emphasizing hard work, integrity, sacrifice, and toughness, creating champions in the classroom, on the basketball court, and in the community.”
 
The Saint Viator athletic programs bring together the Catholic mission, athletic excellence, and a commitment to integrity, sportsmanship, ethics, generosity, and service in what Kuffel has branded as “The Viator Way.” 
 
“To be able to hire an alumnus to fill this role is very special,” said President Brian Liedlich. “We love welcoming back former students in any capacity, and when they are eager to return to lend their talents to the next generation of Lions, I think it’s a testament to the good work of our teachers and staff, and the positive environment they’ve created here at Saint Viator.”
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Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.