University of St. Francis (III.)

Every successful head basketball coach will readily admit that success only comes with a strong staff of assistant coaches. Each coach always seems to have that one trusted assistant that helps the team weather the storms and find its direction when struggles occur.

For longtime USF coach Pat Sullivan, that trusted aide was his dear friend and coaching associate Jack Hermanski.

"Coach Jack" came to St. Francis in 1986 after a highly successful run as the head basketball coach at nearby Romeoville High School. For 24 seasons, Hermanski was the man that Sullivan turned to for in-game advice, post-game impressions and constant humor, friendship and camaraderie. 

Hermanski retired along with Sullivan at the conclusion of this past season. He tutored the Saints' post players for most of his time at USF and helped Sullivan in all phases of the program for nearly a quarter-century. Fans could always hear "Coach Jack's" booming voice from the bench, particularly on those rare nights when Sullivan would miss a game due to illness or a family wedding and Hermanski would take over the coaching reins.

Sullivan and Hermanski coached together, celebrated wins together, went to a pair of national tournaments together and finally retired together. Tonight, they will be enshrined in USF's Hall of Fame together. Clearly, it is a friendship that will never end and a coaching dynasty at St. Francis that will never be forgotten.