Downers Grove South Football Coach Earns 200th Win; Principal, Teacher Honored

Three Downers Grove South High School staff members were recently recognized for their outstanding achievements.

South High Principal Steve Bild and career and technical education teacher Patrick Fardy were each honored this month for their contributions to the school. 

Longtime varsity football coach John Belskis also hit a career milestone last week, earning the 200th win of his 24-year career.

Principal Steve Bild Honored by Village of Woodridge

Bild was honored by the Village of Woodridge during its annual Community Recognition Awards ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 9.

The Community Recognition Program recognizes individuals or groups of individuals for "outstanding community service that contributes to improving the well-being of the people of Woodridge."  

Bild, a long-time resident of Woodridge was cited for being "an exemplary principal and leader who has done groundbreaking work in terms of reaching out to under-performing students," according to District 99 officials.

Patrick Fardy Receives 3M Star in the Classroom Award

Patrick Fardy, a career and technical education teacher at Downers Grove South, will receive the 3M Star in the Classroom Award, sponsored by 3M and Econ Illinois.

The award recognizes several educators each year who have incorporated economic education into the classroom, and provided a learning environment that has allowed for student success, according to District 99 officials.

Additionally, Star in the Classroom teachers have "promoted economics in the classroom by providing leadership for economics in their school, showing evidence of professional growth in economic education, or having sustained student growth in economic understanding."  

The award will be presented at Econ Illinois' annual Economic Educator Day Awards Luncheon, which will be held at the Union League Club of Chicago on Oct. 23.

Belskis Earns 200th Career Win

South head football coach John Belskis earned his 200th career victory Friday as the Mustangs pulled out a 36-33 victory over Hinsdale South.

“There is really no perspective, to be honest with you,” Belskis told Sun-Times Media on Friday. “It did not feel any different than win 43 or 122; it is another night. What was special was for these kids to come win a game when it looked like the game was over.”

Belskis, who has coached since 1988, has a career record of 200 wins and 62 losses, including a 26-21 record in 22 IHSA playoff appearances.

In the previous 23 years, he has led the Mustangs to 19 West Suburban Conference titles, a second-place finish in Class 6A in 1993 and an 8A state championship in 2001.

Belskis was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2010. 

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