Kelly Donohoe Named New Head Football Coach

Rockhurst High School is pleased to announce Kelly Donohoe as its head football coach and a new faculty member beginning in July of 2020.  Coach Donohoe served as the head coach at Blue Springs High School from 2000-2019. He will succeed Coach Tony Severino, who led the program at Rockhurst from 1983-2019.
 
Coach Donohoe enjoyed much success at Blue Springs, earning a record of 191-53 over 20 seasons.  His teams won 14 Conference Championships, 15 District Championships and four State Championships.

“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to be the head football coach at Rockhurst,” said Coach Donohoe. “I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the Blue Springs School District for what they have done for me and my family over all these years. I have worked alongside some tremendous assistant coaches, faculty members and administrators who will be lifelong friends. I am also so thankful to all of the amazing players that I’ve coached who will always have a special place in my heart.”

“I am now looking forward to this new challenge in my life, and to establish the same relationships within the Rockhurst community,” he continued. “What Coach Severino has done at Rockhurst over the last 37 years is truly amazing. Even though it has been a great rivalry between our two schools, we have maintained a great friendship. The coaching staff at Rockhurst consists of a lot of great men with whom I am anxious to get to know better and to work. I am also eager to begin building relationships with the players I’ve heard so many great things about over the years.”
 
“We are excited to welcome Coach Donohoe to the Rockhurst community,” remarked Michael Dierks, athletic director.  “He understands our commitment to excellence both as football players and as young men, and our student-athletes will continue to succeed under his leadership.”
 
Coach Donohoe comes to our teaching faculty and football program with an impressive reputation on and off the field,” commented Rev. Vincent Giacabazi, SJ, principal.  “He's a faith-filled family man who clearly exemplifies the best traditions and highest principles of our Roman Catholic, Jesuit and college preparatory identity.  Personally and professionally, I am thrilled to welcome Kelly to our community.”
 
“Having known Kelly and competed against his teams for the last 20 years, I know he brings the same vision and goals that we expect of our players and coaches here at Rockhurst,” said Coach Severino. “They will embrace his coaching style and philosophy, and I look forward to seeing the football program moving in a positive and competitive direction.”
 
Coach Severino’s Hawklets and Coach Donohoe’s Wildcats played each other 32 times from 2000-2019. Both are inductees in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Coach Donohoe is married to Jennifer. Their children are daughter, Taylor and son, Chase.
 
Rockhurst High School thanks its Search Committee of former players, parents and RHS community members for their work throughout the hiring process.
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