It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Coach John Colosimo, the founding Vice Principal of Juan Diego Catholic High School, and beloved Head Football Coach from 1999-2020.
John Colosimo is a legendary figure at Juan Diego. He was instrumental in the founding of the Skaggs Catholic Center, setting the standard of academic excellence that has inspired thousands of students who have walked our halls, and was a massive influence on our school culture. As a football coach, he pushed his athletes to their fullest potential. Under his leadership, they learned hard work, sacrifice, dedication to something greater than themselves, accountability, but most especially, the importance of keeping the faith.
In the Fall of 1999, during JD Football’s pilot season, Coach John began a tradition that has endured for 25 years: Praying a decade of the Rosary at the conclusion of every game. Win or lose, players, parents, coaches, and fans gather in the grotto to say 10 Hail Marys, 1 Our Father, and a Glory Be, sharing a moment of sacred connectedness and reminding everyone who the glory truly belongs to.
John holds the title as one of the winningest coaches in Utah history, leading the Soaring Eagle to eight state championships, including two 3-peats, 17 Region championships with 12 of those being consecutive, and 18 state postseason appearances in a row. During his time coaching at JD, he won nearly 80% of the games he coached. In April of 2022, John was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame. Later that year, we honored him by dedicating the place where he spent so many Friday nights. John Colosimo Field at Soaring Eagle Stadium will forever serve as a place where a love of God and a love of sport, unite.
As Vice Principal for over 23 years, John’s leadership proved to be indispensable by establishing an academic structure that led us to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the US Department of Education in 2019. Under his guidance, our school has achieved numerous accolades and is consistently ranked among the top private schools in Utah.
John championed the cause of a liberally educated mind, showing practical ways to actualize this ideal among our students. A Catholic liberal education doesn't just equip students with knowledge; it helps them see the Divine in the everyday, nurturing the whole person- mind, body and spirit- to live joyfully in the truth of Jesus Christ. John's deep understanding and dedication of Catholic education have profoundly shaped our students and faculty. We have much to thank him for.
We will remember John for his passion, vision, devotion to his faith, and humility. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Additional Resources:
John Colosimo Memorial Endowment
Longtime Juan Diego educator and renowned football coach John Colosimo dies - Deseret News
John Colosimo - Intermountain Catholic
Juan Diego Catholic High School mourns death of founding vice principal - KSL News Radio
Legendary former Juan Diego football coach of 20+ years dies - Fox13
Coach John Colosimo's influence extends well beyond football field - Patrick Kinahan, KSL.com
