Rockhurst hires from rival Blue Springs to replace legendary coach Tony Severino
Kelly Donohoe is switching sidelines in the top rivalry in Kansas City high school football.
Rockhurst High School hired Donohoe as its new football coach, replacing Tony Severino, who retired this fall.
Donohoe spent the past 20 seasons at Blue Springs, where he built one of the state’s premier programs. He won four state championships with the Wildcats and posted a 191-53 record.
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to be the head football coach at Rockhurst,” Donohoe said in a statement. “I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the Blue Springs School District for what they have done for me and my family over all these years. I have worked alongside some tremendous assistant coaches, faculty members and administrators who will be lifelong friends. I am also so thankful to all the amazing players that I’ve coaches who will always have a special place in my heart.”
Severino coached football for half a century, the past 37 seasons with Rockhurst. He became the winningest football coach in Kansas City high school history. He won seven state championships with the Hawklets and made the state title game 11 times.
During their tenures at Rockhurst and Blue Springs, Severino and Donohoe built the city’s top rivalry, facing each other 32 times. Both coaches have already been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
“I am looking forward to this new challenge in my life — and to establish relationships within the Rockhurst community,” Donohoe said. “What Coach Severino has done at Rockhurst over the last 37 years is truly amazing. Even though it has been a great rivalry between our two schools, we have maintained a great friendship.”