While winter sports have just begun, it is never too early to begin preparations for spring sports, something the Benet Girls Track and Field team knows all too well about. One of the first things on the list for the upcoming season is to find a new head coach for the team, following Coach Bill Takahashi’s exit at the end of the 2023 season. The question that not only athletes but also staff had was: who would take over the position for the 2024 season? The team and staff excitedly waited for an answer through the summer season and even a portion of the school year. This wait continued until a statement was issued by the Benet Athletic Department towards the middle of October, stating that Mr. Billish would be taking over the position for girls track and field and cross country for the 2024 season.
Mr. Billish is a very experienced distance runner. He ran track and field and cross country for Indiana Tech while getting his bachelor’s degree in English. Even after his collegiate career ended, he continued his passion for running. In 2017, he competed in two Iron Mans and one Iron Man in 2015. His passion for running is something unique to him, which gives him the desire to share it and inspire others.
On June 20th, 2019, he published a book titled “To Run.” This book was able to inspire others not only through his coaching but also through his life experiences, connecting with athletes who may not have known him personally. While continuing his passion, he took on the job of being a track and field and cross country coach at Naperville North. He helped bring ten girls to the Track and Field 2023 3A Division State Meet. He also helped bring seven girls to the Cross Country 2023 3A Division State Meet. As Benet moves up from the 2A division to the 3A division, Mr. Billish can prepare the athletes for what to expect in the new environment.
Mr. Billish is training the track and field distance runners and the cross country runners for the 2024 season. The Benet Academy athletes and staff are excited to see what Mr. Billish brings to the team for the 2024 season!
