Bowen out, Ryan in at Carmel
Tim Bowen is out at Carmel. Zack Ryan is in.
Carmel announced in a news release Friday that Ryan has been named its varsity boys basketball head coach. Ryan currently teaches math at Carmel and is a member of the football coaching staff.
During his college basketball career at Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Ryan was a three-year starter at guard and captain for two years. This past season, he was on the basketball coaching staff at Mundelein.
According to Carmel Catholic principal Mark Ostap, “Zack was an obvious choice for us because of his excellent basketball background, his success as a coach in our football program and, most importantly, his connection to our broader school community. Zack is an outstanding teacher and coach and is precisely the sort of person we want working with our students both on and off the court.”
Carmel athletic director Andy Bitto concurred, saying “Zack Ryan was a great collegiate basketball player and is a great teacher. He has combined his competitive nature and his ability to teach to emerge as an excellent young coach.”
“I am honored and humbled to be selected as the new head varsity boys basketball coach at Carmel Catholic High School,” Ryan said. “I am extremely fortunate to be at a place like Carmel. The administration, staff and students create an outstanding community at the school that is unlike any I have ever seen.
“I would not be in this position without the support of so many people throughout my career,” Ryan added. “I would like to thank principal Mark Ostap and athletic director Andy Bitto for providing me the opportunity to lead the Carmel Catholic High School boys basketball program.”
Bowen led Carmel to a school-record 25 wins this past season, which included the Corsairs winning their second Class 3A regional championship in a row. For the second straight year, Carmel lost to North Chicago in the sectional finals. Bowen coached the team for the past four years, posting double-digit wins each season.
Before last season, Carmel had not posted a 20-win campaign since 1984-85, when the Corsairs went 24-6.
In 2012-13, Carmel captured its first regional title since 1991-92.