Brad Naughton

Brad Naughton

In the weight room, the best compliment you could get from Mr. Brad Naughton isn’t a compliment at all.

Naughton isn’t the type to dish out effusive praise to everyone, but when he sees something he likes, he’ll be sure to let you know in a backhanded manner.

It might sound something like, “you know, that’s not terrible,” or “actually, what you’re doing isn’t bad.”

Any praise coming from Naughton, no matter how direct, just means more. You know you’re doing something right when you get his nod of approval.

Naughton doesn’t expect a scrawny freshman to turn into Ronnie Coleman, but he’ll always reward good form and effort with his signature indirect acclaim. (Though with his guidance, winning Mr. Olympia isn’t out of the question.)

“Although Mr. Naughton has a seemingly tough shell, he’s really a big softy,” said counselor Mrs. Laura Stetson. “He loves babies, grew up on a farm, and is first and foremost a family man.”

When he’s not motivating athletes in the weight room, Naughton is doing another kind of coaching: academic counseling.

Responsible for students with last names A-C, Naughton works diligently with students to set their schedules and work through the college admissions process.

“Mr. Naughton is an expert on college admission,” said Mr. Dan Panfil. “He is my go-to counselor when I have a question about a college or when I am looking for college suggestions for a particular student.”

As a longtime counselor and father of two children who passed through LFHS, Naughton has plenty of wisdom to impart.

“Coach Naughton is always there for me if I need help,” said sophomore Will Atzeff, who has Naughton as both a counselor and cross country coach. “He’s been super helpful with both my athletics and academics.”

Naughton is also known for dispensing valuable advice that isn’t just related to his profession.

“We need boots on the ground to get things done.”

“Can’t worry about a teaspoon in the ocean.”

“Take care of those that are closest to the fire.”

“Over the years he’s given us tons of great advice,” said Stetson. “He’s a straight shooter and we wouldn’t get by without him.”

A former two-sport athlete at Millikin University, where he played football and baseball, Naughton has effectively translated his speedy exploits into his role as a coach on the boys cross country and girls track and field teams.

“He’s motivated me to keep coming out for the cross country team every year,” said Mac Chamberlain, a junior who also has Naughton as both a coach and counselor. “He’s just a great person to have in your corner.”

Outside of school, Naughton is a diehard Cubs fan who doubles as an armchair general manager.

“I don’t know anyone who knows more about the Cubs than Coach Naughton,” quipped Atzeff. “Now that Theo Epstein’s gone, I think he should take over.”

Said Chamberlain: “Coach Naughton is the man.”

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