PATRICK BEHAN: HE’S STILL OUR COACH

Head coach for the SJC boys’ basketball team since 2017, Patrick Behan is a former college basketball player whose passion in life is coaching high school boys in the DMV. In May of 2022, Pat learned he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Despite this devastating diagnosis, Pat and his family and friends choose to fight this disease head-on. Pat plans to continue as head basketball coach at St. John’s for as long as possible, since it provides him “the best medicine.” To share information and to offer support, Pat’s family created the website, www.behanstrong.com, which features ALS information and resources, as well as events to support Pat’s care, treatment, and well-being.

ON OCT. 1, Pat served as honorary captain for SJC’s home football game against Georgia’s Cedar Grove. The Men of St. John’s, who ran the concession stand, prepared and served the “Behan Burger,” complete with bacon, cheese, sautéed onions, and BBQ sauce. In the week leading up to the game, SJC students, faculty, and staff purchased red “Behan Strong” bracelets to show their support. All proceeds from the football game concession stand, gate proceeds, and bracelet sales were donated to help Pat in his fight against ALS.

ON JAN. 3, SJC hosted the inaugural Behan Strong Invitational, a six-team, threegame basketball showcase. Pat earned his 102nd win as coach with an 80–73 overtime victory against nationally celebrated IMG Academy. All proceeds supported Pat and others diagnosed with ALS.

ON MARCH 18, the inaugural “Party at Pat’s” was held in Gallagher Gymnasium. The space was filled with love, laughter, and resiliency to keep “punching back” against ALS. The event raised $177,000 to assist Pat Behan and Matt Kurkjian (a former baseball player at Catholic University) with medical costs associated with ALS.

As a valued member of the SJC community, we hold Pat in our prayers and work to support him as he continues his responsibilities as head coach.