ROMEOVILLE, Ill. — The Lewis University Athletic Department announced the final two inductees selected for the 2026 Lewis University Academy of Coaches.
Longtime basketball coaches
Frank Palmasani and
Joe Gura were tabbed to the 2026 class and will be inducted during halftime of the men's basketball game against Judson on Nov. 21, 2026. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
"We are incredibly proud to welcome this group into the Lewis University Academy of Coaches," Assistant Vice President for Athletics
John Ashaolu said. "Their careers represent what coaching is really about: leadership, mentorship, service, and making a lasting impact on student-athletes. Each of these individuals has contributed to the coaching profession in a meaningful way, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and their connection to Lewis University."
The Lewis University Academy of Coaches was established in 2019 with 10 individuals in its inaugural class. Ahead of the 2026 class, 37 individuals have been inducted. The accolade honors former Flyers who have made a lasting impact through their coaching. Inductees are recognized for sustained excellence and careers that reflect Lewis University's Catholic and Lasallian mission in educational and professional settings.
JOE GURA — Basketball
A 1973 Lewis graduate, Joe Gura spent nearly five decades coaching basketball throughout the Chicagoland area, compiling more than 600 victories, numerous conference championships and regional appearances, and an induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Coaches Hall of Fame.
Gura most recently served as head varsity boys basketball coach at Joliet Catholic Academy from 2012-22. During his 10 seasons with the Hilltoppers, he guided the program to three regional appearances, including its first regional title in 34 years in 2014, and earned Coach of the Year honors.
(Gura coaching at JCA)
Before joining Joliet Catholic, Gura coached at Bishop McNamara High School from 2009-12 and Plainfield North High School from 2005-09, where he won a conference championship, advanced to a regional, and earned Coach of the Year honors.
Gura previously served as head boys varsity coach at Pontiac High School from 2002-05, winning a conference championship and earning Corn Belt Conference Coach of the Year honors. He spent three seasons at Thornton Fractional South High School from 1999-2002.
His longest coaching tenure came at Lockport High School, where he spent 22 seasons from 1977-99. His teams won 12 conference championships, including five at the varsity level. As boys' varsity head coach, Gura led Lockport to five regional and three sectional appearances and was named conference Coach of the Year five times.
He began his high school coaching career as an assistant boys varsity coach at St. Rita High School during the 1976-77 season after spending three years coaching eighth-grade basketball at Bromberek Grade School.
Gura and his wife, Karen, have two daughters, Carie McIntyre and Carly Forneris, a son, Joey, and nine grandchildren.
FRANK PALMASANI — Basketball
A member of some of the most successful Lewis men's basketball teams in program history, Frank Palmasani built a distinguished basketball career that included an Illinois state championship, multiple regional and sectional titles, NCAA Tournament appearances, and induction into several athletic and coaching halls of fame.
Palmasani's connection to Lewis began as a student, when he served as student coach of the junior varsity basketball team during the 1974-75 season. That team posted a 17-3 record, and Palmasani was named Lewis Senior of the Year in 1975. He graduated from Lewis that year with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in English and later earned a master's degree in guidance and counseling in 1985.
(Palmasani in 1975)
After graduating from Lewis, Palmasani served as the boys' varsity basketball coach at Providence Catholic High School from 1976-81. He compiled a 106-41 record, leading the Celtics to four regional championships, four sectional championships, three super-sectional championships, a third-place finish at the IHSA State Championship in 1977-78, and the state championship in 1978-79.
His 1978-79 team went 32-1, making Palmasani the youngest coach at the time to win an Illinois state basketball championship. The 32 victories remain a Providence Catholic record for a boys basketball season.
Palmasani returned to Lewis in 1981 as an assistant coach under Chuck Schwarz. During his four seasons on staff, the Flyers went 84-37 and made three NCAA Tournament appearances. He also coached Larry Tucker, the program's career scoring leader and a Cleveland Cavaliers draft pick.
Palmasani remained at Lewis after his coaching tenure, serving as director of admissions from September 1981 through August 1993.
His honors include Class A Coach of the Year in 1979, District Coach of the Year honors from 1977-79, and selection as coach of the 1979 Class A Illinois All-Star team. He was inducted into the Lemont Christmas Tournament Hall of Fame, Providence Catholic Athletic Hall of Fame, and Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Palmasani and his wife, Marge, have four children: Jordan Tsoulos, Adam Palmasani, Mickey Palmasani and Marty Palmasani.
For a full list of members of the Lewis University Academy of Coaches,
click here.
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