IL HR1498

Illinois House of Representatives mourns the passing of Daniel "Coach Cal" Callahan, who died at age 52 following a battle with cancer.

Coach Cal had a distinguished baseball coaching career spanning youth leagues, high school programs at Lanphier and Springfield High Schools, Eastern Illinois University, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he became the second most victorious coach.

Mentored thousands of student athletes and steered more than 20 players into the Major League Baseball draft, with former players remembering him as a father figure and life-changing influence.

During his final years battling disease, Coach Cal rejected excuses and prioritized his family, players, and community over isolating himself from public view.

Suitable copies of this resolution will be presented to Coach Cal's wife Stacy, daughters Alexa and Carly, and parents Ann and Gene.