Marist Senior Patrick Coogan Will Play Football For Notre Dame

CHICAGO, IL — Palos Heights student Patrick Coogan participated in a signing ceremony on Dec. 16 at Marist High School where he is currently a senior. Heading into his senior season, Coogan is recognized as one of the top football players in the state of Illinois.

Coogan plans to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Notre Dame.This spring, he will be a three-year varsity starter on the offensive line for the RedHawks. As a sophomore, Coogan started 13 games and helped pave the way to an 11-2 overall record for a team that made it to the state semifinal.

Between his sophomore and junior seasons, he had an incredible growth spurt that resulted in him gaining 45 pounds while maintaining his incredible athleticism and agility, and making him one of the best offensive lineman in the state. During his junior season, Coogan started in 13 games and once again helped lead his team to the state semifinals. He was recognized as an ESCC/Chicago Catholic League all-conference player, was voted to the Southtown all-area team.

Coogan also earned an honorable mention all-state offensive lineman by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association at the end of his junior season. He has a truly remarkable combination of athleticism, explosiveness, agility, and strength that is incredibly rare for a high school offensive lineman.

While his physical gifts are impressive, the thing that makes Coogan truly special is his love to compete once he steps between the white lines. He is a quiet, considerate young man off the field, but is a fierce competitor who coaches say plays with a nasty streak once he steps onto the football field.