John E. Hoerster, the athletic director and football coach of Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Ill., died on Aug. 25 of a heart attack. He was 53.
Hoerster was an All-American offensive lineman at St. Rita and graduated with an education degree from Northwestern University. In 1983, he earned a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Chicago State University. Hoerster was working as the assistant principal at Gordon Tech when Loyola offer him a position in 1986.
During his 17 years as the Ramblers’ coach, Hoerster earned a 133-57 record that included a state title in 1993. The winningest football coach in Loyola history, Hoerster was inducted into the Chicago Catholic League Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1994.