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Morris Herald-News

Seneca football coach's DUI arrest comes to light

Reade admitted to drinking at Bulls game; beer found in car

By Steve Nitz

Ryan Reade, Seneca High School's football coach, was arrested Jan. 1 on a charge of driving under the influence. (Photo provided)

SENECA — Seneca head football coach Ryan Reade was arrested by the Darien Police Department for driving under the influence at 10:15 p.m. on Jan. 1. The incident took place on Interstate 55.

Reade, 34, of the 900 block of Partridge Lane in Morris, was seen swerving in and out of his lane multiple times, and was driving 40 mph on the interstate, according to the Darien Police Department.

There was an open bottle of Bud Light in the vehicle. Reade told police he had two beers while at the Chicago Bulls game.

He refused to take a Breathalyzer test and has a court date of Jan. 31 in Wheaton, Ill.

Seneca Township High School Superintendent Mark Thurwanger confirmed that Reade, who also teaches physical education at the school, has not faced any discipline as of yet.

"We do not comment on personnel situations," Thurwanger said. "We are aware of that situation."

Reade said he will speak to his team about the situation next week. He said that the possibility of the school disciplining him is in its "early stages."

"Again, you teach kids when they mess up on the football field or in the classroom, there's always consequences that are going to take place," Reade said when reached by phone on Friday afternoon. "It comes back to, Seneca High School's a lot bigger than Ryan Reade. The best decision for our great school will be made."

Reade completed his fourth season as the Fighting Irish's head football coach in the fall. Seneca went 3-6 in 2011. Reade has a career record of 12-24 as Seneca's head coach.

Prior to his time with the Irish, Reade was the head coach at Dixon High School from 2005-07. He had a career record of 14-16 and made the IHSA state quarterfinals in 2006.

He spent one season at Port Byron Riverdale before taking the Dixon job. He has also spent time as an assistant coach at Elgin High School, Augustana College and Monmouth College.

When reached by phone Friday afternoon, Athletic Director Steve Haines also declined to comment on the situation.

"That would be confidential for him and us here at the school," he said. "Nothing for me to comment on at this time. That will be for him and his board of education to deal with."

— Herald correspondent Jacob Misener contributed to this story