Can you imagine a state basketball champion being crowned in Chicago?
Devon Morales Sr. can, and he will soon be in a position to help make it happen.
Morales, who has been Clemente’s principal since 2021, is taking over as executive director of Chicago Public Schools’ Office of Sports Administration.
He succeeds acting executive director Mickey Pruitt, who is retiring. Pruitt, who had been Public League sports’ No. 2 official, replaced David Rosengard when Rosengard was let go last September.
Morales has broad experience with Public League sports as a student (he played football and wrestled at Schurz), as a parent (his son played football at Kenwood), as a coach (football, wrestling, 16-inch softball) and as an administrator with stops at South Shore, Marshall, Chicago Academy, Corliss and Austin before Clemente.
His start date has not been set, but Morales expects to be in his new job and putting together a leadership team sometime this summer. Besides Pruitt, another high-ranking CPS sports officiual, Juliana Zavala, has left to take over as athletic director at U-High.
Morales is keeping an open mind as he transitions into his new role and said he plans to get input from a variety of sources about CPS sports.
But he does have a strong opinion about one issue of particular interest to basketball fans.
The IHSA contract with Champaign to host the boys basketball state tournament runs through 2029. Bringing the tourney to Chicago is “something I would love to do,” Morales said.
“I know there are procedures and protocols with the IHSA. I would be there front and center listening. I do know one of the criteria they look for, we have. We have access to [enough] hotel rooms. I think we check that box without a doubt.”
Another of Morales’ goals would be to get the Prep Bowl back to Soldier Field and the Public League baseball final in a MLB park again.
The Prep Bowl between the Public League and Catholic League was played at Soldier Field for decades before losing its permanent home. In recent years, the leagues have taken turns hosting the game at high-school venues.
The Public League baseball final had been alternating between Wrigley Field and Rate Field based on stadium availability. But it’ll be at UIC’s Granderson Stadium this year.
“If you look at every other state, the championship rounds [are] usually at the pro facility,” Morales said. “I don’t know the nuances of what went wrong, but as a student-athlete there’s no better place to play.”
Another focus for Morales will be making sure all schools have adequate resources. The recently approved Chicago Teachers Union contract includes new money to help historically underfunded schools.
“One of my main priorities will be to improve programming for CPS students,” Morales said. “My vision is to make sure there’s equitable programming.”
Rosengard and Pruitt spent time all over the city watching a variety of sports, and Morales plans to continue that policy.
“I’m a man amongst the people,” Morales said. “You will see me everywhere. … In the [new] role, I’m going to support each and every school. … I’m going to meet with my coaches, athletic directors and leadership teams. I’m going to make sure I’m accessible.”