Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox gave a welcome back to boys basketball alumni at the varsity game Friday, Jan. 27 in a special night for one basketball alumnus in particular, Walter Downing, Class of 1981.
“In his four years as a varsity starter, his teams collected 104 wins,” said Frank Palmasani, junior and senior counselor and Walter Downing’s former head basketball coach at Providence Catholic.
“They won four regional titles, four sectional titles, achieved three super-sectional victories, and had a third-place State finish, in addition to a State championship in 1979,” Palmasani said, who was head coach when the team fought their way to the State championship.
During the recent ceremony, president Father John Merkelis, OSA, principal Paul Houston, athletic director Doug Ternik, and varsity head basketball coach Kyle Murphy presented Downing a replica of the jersey he wore during the 1979 State championship, and a ball that acknowledges his point totals.
Downing is Providence’s all-time leading scorer and shot-blocker. He was the first player in Illinois to win the Mr. Basketball award and was selected as one of the top 100 players who played in the State tournament. In 1981, Downing was one of only 25 players selected from across the country to play in the McDonald’s All-America game. Other players that year included Chris Mullins, Patrick Ewing, and Michael Jordan.
“Walter Downing was the epitome of everything any coach would want from a star player,” Palmasani said. “Always humble, always deferring success to his teammates, always interested in the good of the group, Walter’s entire life has been built around serving others. His basketball prowess in high school and college was highlighted during the ceremony, but his character and the positive influence he has had on young people in his 20+ years of teaching will be his lasting legacy. I have been blessed to call him a friend for over 40 years.”
After graduating from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Downing was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. He played professional basketball in Europe before returning to the United States. Walter retired last year from teaching high school English following a 20-plus year career at Hinsdale South High School.
Downing was joined at the event by his grade school coaches, Larry Wiers and Dan Polley, in addition to his high school coach, Palmasani, and Pat Sullivan, who established a camaraderie with Downing during Pat’s Summer basketball camps at Providence. Assistant coaches during Downing’s four years included Dick Mandella, Mike Slovick, Randy Stelter, and Jack McCarthy.
Other Providence Catholic coaches, past and present, were in attendance as well, along with several basketball officials who were referees at his games during Downing’s four years at Providence.
“Tonight was not only a great night for our basketball program but it was a great night for our school community and anyone who loves and appreciates the game of basketball,” said Providence head coach Kyle Muphy. “Any time you can honor a legend like Walter, it brings excitement to the community.
“We are excited that many alumni, coaches, and supporters of Walter were in attendance as we honored him. There have been many great athletes who have come through Providence, but maybe none more legendary than Walter!”
A man with many achievements needed only a few words to sum up the night, words that show the strength of character of this stellar athlete:
“They say give people the roses while they’re alive,” Downing said. “If these are roses, tonight is a botanical garden.”
—Providence Catholic High School