One would think that after a lifetime of coaching, teaching and community service and a long list of accolades, there would be nothing more of Frank Giannamore’s life to highlight. Yet the honors keep coming.

On Friday Oct. 22, the retired Mundelein High School football coach was presented a plaque welcoming him into the 2021 Lake County High School Sports Hall of Fame. Fittingly, the event was a halftime ceremony during the MHS Mustangs final home football game of the season.

Coach G (as he is affectionately called) began his teaching career at MHS after graduating from Northern Illinois University in 1961. He stayed there for more than 47 years, serving as a teacher, guidance counselor, advisor and coach.

Besides coaching football, he also coached wrestling and baseball at MHS. He was inducted into Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2005 and into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015.

The halftime tribute was meaningful coming during the school’s 60th anniversary year. And it was made extra special because the football program also recognized all former MHS alumni football players from the past six decades, including former MHS athlete Chuck Burgoon (Class of 1965) who excelled in both Football and Track and Field at MHS.

Chuck was also honored for holding the longest Track & Field record in the shot put (59’6”) set in 1965, a record that still stands today. Chuck excelled at football too and was selected by the Minnesota  Vikings in the 1970 NFL draft.

While a medical condition didn’t allow him to pursue his football career, Chuck returned to Mundelein where he and his late wife Marguerite raised three children. Chuck is now the proud grandfather of five, soon to be six, grandchildren. He is also proud to be part of Coach G’s legacy.

“Coach G not only taught me about football but about life,” he said. “Coach G is such a great guy. I love both Coach G and his wonderful wife, Judy.”

Coach G’s  awards and achievements go well beyond sports. He was very involved in school local and county activities and has been recognized over the years for his accomplishments.

As a direct result of his capacity of 25 years as a S.A.D.D. advisor, he received the Enrique Camarena ‘One Person Can’ award. In addition, he was awarded the Lake County Lakeland Media recognition for people that make a difference in Lake County and for its residents.

As an educator, the Illinois State Board of Education recognized him with the ‘Those That Excel Award of Merit’. He has also served as the president, secretary and treasurer of the Illinois High School and College Driver Education Association.

Coach G served in the Illinois National Guard for 8 years and is a member of the Mundelein Lions Club.