Serra Catholic girls coach Cleary earns win No. 650

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

For over three decades, Bill Cleary has developed quite the resume as head girls basketball coach at Serra Catholic.

He’s led the Eagles to 17 section titles, four WPIAL championships and a state crown since taking over at the helm in 1987. 

In the process, Cleary has continued to add on to his win total as well, collecting his 600th career victory in 2018. 

Now, the veteran is one step closer to 700 after picking up win No. 650 in his team’s 53-47 triumph over Belle Vernon Saturday. 

“When I sit back and think about the great teams and the great players I’ve had, the assistant coaches that have worked with me and the school administration that has supported me, this means an awful lot,” Cleary said. “This is something I can really reflect on. That’s a lot of years and a lot of games.”

Under the guidance of Cleary, who has also served as Serra Catholic’s athletic director for 38 years, the girls program has become accustomed to winning. The Eagles have never had a losing season with Cleary at the helm and have failed to reach the postseason on just one occasion. 

“I still care, I’m still very passionate and I prepare the same way,” he said. “After all the years, you’ve seen a lot and you’ve experienced a lot, so that really helps.” 

Cleary’s had the pleasure of coaching a number of talented players over the years, including Ringgold athletic director Laura Grimm.

Grimm, who played for Cleary from 2002 to 2006, finished her high school career as Serra’s all-time leading scorer with 1,940 points before moving on to play at Colgate University. 

“Being in the profession that I am in right now, I know how hard it is to sustain something successfully like that for even a short period of time,” said Grimm, who spent two seasons as Ringgold’s girls basketball coach before becoming the school’s AD. “The fact that he’s been able to sustain the success that he’s had for 34 years is something that’s kind of unheard of. He’s definitely created something to be proud of.” 

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