3 from DGS Basketball Program Named to Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame

Four big names, both past and present, in the boys basketball program recently were recognized by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. 

Former DGS Boys Basketball Varsity Coach Paul Runyon, former player Bryan Mullins and announcer Jim Mizener were recently inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. 

Current DGS Boys Basketball Coach Jay Baum was also named 2012 the IBCA District 7 Basketball Coach of the Year. 

Runyon, Mullins and Mizener were recognized in the 2012 "Hall of Fame" inductiong ceremony at Illinois State University April 28. 

Paul Runyon 

Paul Runyon spent 33 years coaching boys basketball in Illinois, 28 years at , four at Rich South and one at Stillman Valley. While at South High, he spent two years as a freshman coach, seven at the sophomore level and 12 years as the Mustang Varsity Coach.

Runyon guided the Downers Grove South varsity Mustang basketball team to state births in 2003 and 2005, placing third in class AA in 2005. He was twice named “Coach of the Year” in District 7 in 2003 and 2005 respectively. He had a 430-287 career record.

Paul retired from teaching math and coaching football (sophomore level) and varsity basketball (in 2009) but still resides in Downers Grove with wife, Nancy. However, several month of the year they retreat to their second home in Arizona.

Bryan Mullins

Bryan Mullins was inducted into the IBCA “Hall of Fame” as a basketball player. He was a two-time All State player at point guard. Bryan led his team to third place in Class AA as a senior in 2005. He was a first team All State that season and graduated as the school’s career leader in assists and steals. As a sophomore in 2003, Bryan and older brother Brendan led the Mustangs to the IHSA State Tournament (Elite 8), losing in the first round by two points to Thornwood 46-44.

Bryan was a four-year starter as a point guard at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Hehelped the Salukis to two NCAA Tournament births, including the Sweet Sixteen in 2007. He twice was the Missouri Valley Conference “Defensive Player of the Year." Bryan has spent the past three years playing professional basketball in Europe.

Jim Mizener

Jim Mizener is a long-time employee of District 99 and has been the P.A. announcer for numerous athletic events at North and South High Schools. He has been the “voice” of Downers Grove South High School basketball since 1985. He serves as public address announcer at every home boys and girls basketball game.

Mizener has also been selected to announce at a wide range of special basketball events in the Chicago area. During the summers from 1986 through 2002, he was the P.A. announcer for the “Prarie State Games” for open mens basketball at the Assembly Hall on the campus of the University of Illinois. He was selected to announce the state for IHSA Girls Basektball from 1994 to 1998.

In 1988, he expanded his announcing duties to a long list of Downers Grove South sports in the fall, winter and spring seasons, including football, soccer, volleyball, track and field, diving and swimming and gymnastics.

Jim received the distinguished “Service Award” from the Illinois Athletic Director’s Association in 1995.

Jay Baum 

Jay Baum has been selected District 7 “Coach of the Year” by the IBCA for the 2012 basketball season. In his third year as head coach of the Downers Grove South Mustangs, Coach Baum led his varsity team to a season record of 23-6.

The Mustangs were second in the West Suburban Gold conference to Proviso East, placed third at the St.Charles East Thanksgiving Tournament, took third at the York Jack Tosh Invitational, and were the winners of the Class 4A Downers Grove South IHSA Regional. This is the second year in a row that Jay Baum has been selected District 7 “Coach of the Year." His record now stands at 66-20.