THE SIMEON BLUE MACHINE

Who is Coach Alvin R. Scott

Coach Scott was a 1965 graduate of Hirsch High School, and a 1969 graduate of Central State University where he played football and wrestled. While playing football he held a school record for many years, recording six interceptions in one game. Upon graduation he received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He later received his Master’s Degree from Governors State University.

Proceeding his years at Central State University he was drafted in 1970 by the Cincinnati Bengals as a wide receiver. Also, that year, he returned to Chicago and married his high school sweetheart and soul mate Lola Bell on June 27, 1970 at St. John Baptist Church. On April 21, 1976 his pride and joy was born, Alvin Ronald Scott II. After playing the pre-season with the Cincinnati Bengals, he extended his professional career in the American Football League with the Indianapolis Capitals. After one year with the Capitals he returned back to Chicago and tried out with the Chicago Bears. During his tryout, he suffered a knee injury which ended his career.

In 1971, Alvin R. Scott started his teaching career at Hirsch High School. Within that same year, he was given another opportunity to become the physical education teacher and head football coach of the freshman team at Morgan Park High School.

In 1972, Coach Scott was asked by his mentor Mr. John Everett to become the Head Football Coach and Wrestling Coach for Simeon Vocational High School. Coach Scott coached his first football season in 1973, and his team went undefeated playing only 26 players. From that start, the legacy begins!

During his run in the 70's, Coach Scott was the first and only Chicago Public League coach to capture four conference championships in five years moving his teams from the Green, Blue, White and Red Division. And he is the only Chicago Public League coach to lead his teams to four championships in four different decades (70's, 80's, 90's & 2000).

Coach Scott took his team to the IHSA Class 5A Quarter Finals in 1979 and 1990 and was the Prep Bowl runner-up in 1983, 1986, 2000 and 2003. In March of 2001, he was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In Coach Scott’s 33 years of coaching, his "Blue Machine" captured more than 20 conference titles and he compiled a 262-130 record. To further add to his resume, in 2004, Coach Al Scott was invited to attend the National Football League Summit which was held in Canton, Ohio. He was chosen to attend the Summit because of his achievements as a high school football coach.

Many of Coach Scott's players were recruited and received scholarships to play football in college and some had the opportunity to be drafted into the National Football League, Arena Football League and the European Football League. Once their football careers ended, many of his alumni players came back to help in coaching and mentoring his players. Many of them have also built great families and businesses as a result of his empowerment. He is missed; however he will not be forgotten!

Dante Culbreath, being a former Wolverine himself; has dedicated his coaching career to helping athletes obtain success both on and off the field. Culbreath's coaching philosophy centers around three core principles-commitment, selflessness and discipline. Currently, Coach Dante is the most winningest coach among active CPL coaches. He has sent over 20 players to play at D1 level and over 100 total to college. His core values focus on being open and honest with his players, while holding them accountable for their efforts. Coach Dante focuses on embracing the process of growth, which entails the need to focus on how to get better not only on the field but off as well.

Coach Chick started his coaching career in 1977 at Simeon Vocational High School. He was an Assistant Coach for 29 years and became the Head Coach in 2005 after the passing of Hall of Fame Coach Alvin R. Scott. 

Coach Chick continued the legacy of the Blue Machine by winning conference titles in 2007 and 2009. Later in 2009, Coach Chick won the Public League City Championship and the lead the Blue Machine to the Prep Bowl.

In 2011, Coach Chick was inducted into the Illinois High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame and in 2018 he was inducted into the Public League Coaches Association Hall of Fame. 

Coach Chick is still employed at Simeon Career Academy as a Dean of Attendance.  

  Sinque Turner is the head football coach at Simeon Career Academy in Chicago, Illinois. He took over the position in 2023 after coaching at Kenwood Academy for seven seasons. Background 

• Turner played football at Simeon Career Academy, his alma mater
• He coached at other Public League schools for more than a decade
• At Kenwood Academy, he led the Broncos to two Public League championships, two Prep Bowls, and four state playoff appearances