Foy will take the helm of the Lions wrestling program, replacing former head coach Mike Anderson, who will remain on staff as an assistant coach.
Michial Foy and Mike Anderson
The 55-year-old Foy represented the United States in Greco-Roman competition at 96 kilograms/198 pounds at back-to-back Olympics, first at the 1988 Games in Seoul where he did not place… then, four years later, where he placed sixth as captain of the U.S. Greco-Roman team at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.
In addition to the Olympics, Foy earned a gold medal in Pan-American Games competition, and was a silver medalist at the World championships, both in 1989. The Chicago area native also won five U.S. national championships, a bronze medal in the 1990 World Cup and a fifth-place finish at the 1994 World championships, all in Greco-Roman.
Prior to launching his international mat career, Foy wrestled collegiately at the University of Minnesota.
In addition to his experience as a wrestler, Foy brings coaching expertise to his new position at Leo. Foy served as an assistant coach at Minnesota; more recently he worked at Crete-Monee High School as a volunteer coach with his sons, James and Michial Jr., as they competed in the program.
Foy discovered the sport in high school. He originally planned to play basketball but decided to check out the school's wrestling room where his brother competed.
"Wrestling saved me," Foy told the Beverly Review. "I was able to travel all over the world and get my education, and it was all through wrestling. As a coach, I want to give that back to the community and the student-athletes at Leo. I want to help them develop like I did."
The Leo wrestling program was revived three years ago after a lengthy absence. In its short time back, the Lions program saw heavyweight James Britten Jr. qualify for state in 2015. The following season, Leroy Henry reached the sectional finals in 2016.
Leo High School is a four-year, all-male Catholic school located in southwestern Chicago. The school, which celebrated its 90th year last year, has approximately 200 students.
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