Don Morrissey

Class of 2012

Rosemont | Putnam

Don Morrissey began his wrestling career at the University of Illinois at Champaign. He was a three year letter winner for the Illini. After graduating in 1961, he started the wrestling program at Minooka High School. After leading the program for a ten year period, Don founded the Rosemont Cobras and was its cornerstone for 30 years.

During his tenure, the Cobras won more than 50 tournaments, had 111 state qualifiers, 18 state place-winners and 2 state champions. The Cobras placed 6th in the IKWF Duals in 1993 and qualified in 1994. They placed 3rd in the Novice in 1994 and tied for 4th in the senior division in 1995. Nineteen former Cobras went on to place at the IHSA State Tournament, 2 of those were state champions. Former Cobras also had multiple freestyle and Greco-Roman accomplishments including 1 cadet Greco-Roman champion, 1 National Junior College All-American, 2 Espior All-American, 1 NCAA Division III All-American, 1 NCAA Division I All-American and 1 world qualifier.

Don also produced a strong family of wrestlers. His four sons all had prominent careers and won many awards.

Don served as director of the North Suburban Sectional for several terms. During that period, membership nearly doubled. In 1989, Don began hosting the Cobra Classic at the Rosemont Horizon (now the Allstate Arena). For five seasons, 1200 wrestlers participated, making the event one of the largest one day kids’ tournaments in the world.

Don was selected as Grand Marshal for the IKWF State Tournament in 1994. He was also recognized for his outstanding classroom teaching by the Illinois Board of Education in the “Those Who Excel” program in 1993.

Don currently lives on a small farm near Henry, IL and grows and sells produce.