The name Ben Downey in our school makes many things pop into the minds of students. Some immediately think of him as the football coach, others as a gym shark who assertively leads his P.E. classes, and some even think of him as a striking teacher with a popping jaw line. However, most students do not know Coach Downey’s journey from player to coach then family man, and now back to being the chief of the football team.
Coach Downey started his football career as a Crusader at Holy Cross in the ICCL. He was inspired by his brother Kevin Downey to become a Saint Joe great after hearing stories from Kevin about his experience with the Saint Joe Football Program. He was a key piece of the defense in the 1995 undefeated State Championship Team. After his brother took over as the Head Football Coach (a detail that not many people know), he was an assistant coach on the Saint Joe staff and was able to help the team to reach the 2007 state championship where they fell short to a tough Chatard squad.
In 2010, Coach Downey took over as head coach and started his campaign 0-3. Nonetheless, Coach Downey was able to turn the season around and lead the team to 2 consecutive Semi State Victories with two straight state championship losses against familiar foe Chatard. Coach Downey was beloved by many players and alumni as he was able to lead his players to success on and off the field. In 2015 Coach Downey ended the season with a Semi State Loss and resigned after that season to focus his time on family and watch his three kids play their own sports.
In 2022 with his son (Dallas Downey) now at Saint Joe, Coach Downey returned to Saint Joe as Head Football coach and began the rebuild of the program. Coming off last season, the squad believes that massive improvements have been made and that 2024 will be the year that the Saint Joe squad returns to prominence.
