Football: Lincoln-Way East's Rob Zvonar joined by three sons

Kristin, Colton, Rob, Trey and Tyson Zvonar, from left, pose after a state semifinal win over Barrington on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (Photo provided by the Zvonar family)

The Thanksgiving game plan for the Zvonar family starts with an early morning wake-up call.

By 7 a.m., coach Rob Zvonar and his twin sons, juniors Trey and Tyson , and freshman son Colton will be at Lincoln-Way East in Frankfort watching film with the state-bound Griffins.

After a practice to prepare for Saturday’s Class 8A championship game, the Zvonar boys will return home. They will join Kristin, Rob’s wife and the leader of this football brood, to get ready for an afternoon feast in Orland Park courtesy of Kristin’s mother, Jan Kelso.

And Coach Z, as he’s affectionately known, will not put any dietary restrictions on his sons.

“It’s football season,” he said. “We eat.”

What’s on the menu?

“Turkey and mashed potatoes,” he said. “And mom makes a mean corn casserole.”

The Zvonar family hopes that feast continues at 7 p.m. Saturday when Lincoln-Way East (13-0) faces Loyola (13-0) for the state title at Illinois State’s Hancock Stadium.

The two teams met last season in the championship game, with the Ramblers winning 13-3. Two years ago, Loyola ousted the Griffins in the quarterfinals with a 3-0 decision.

Lincoln-Way East coach Rob Zvonar has a few words for his players before the start of a nonconference game against Batavia on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. (John Smierciak/Daily Southtown)

Rob Zvonar, the only coach in program history for Lincoln-Way East, has been to the state championship game five previous times. His teams have come home with three state titles.

This will be the first time, however, that all three of his sons are on the roster.

And, yes, he’s proud.

“You get caught up in the preparation of the games,” he said. “But every now and then, you are able to take a step back, and it’s really a little bit surreal.

“A lot of people say they are living the dream, but I’ve coached other people’s sons and loved every minute of it. It hits a little different when it’s your own.”

Rob never forced his love of football on his sons, but when they were born, they were photographed with footballs and helmets. He said they have grown up to be good people.

“We have the regular battles like all parents and kids do and brothers do,” Rob said. “But for the most part, it’s been a great, great, great thing raising them.”

Lincoln-Way East coach Rob Zvonar reacts against Batavia during a nonconference game on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. (John Smierciak/Daily Southtown)

Rob knew Kristin when they both worked at combined Lincoln-Way before the district expanded. He said after she moved on to Wheaton North, they were reunited at a physical education conference and, according to Rob, “as they say, the rest his history.”

Trey and Tyson were born in 2006 and Colton in 2008.

Trey is a 6-foot-3, 205-pound tight end who has eight Division I offers. Earlier this season, he joined teammate and Iowa commit Josh Janowski for a gameday visit at Kinnick Stadium with former Hawkeye and Lincoln-Way East graduate Turner Pallissard .

Tyson is a 5-9, 145-pound linebacker and state-qualifying wrestler, while Colton is a 5-10, 170-pound linebacker brought up for the playoffs.

Before playing for the Griffins, the Zvonar trio were fixtures on the sidelines as ball boys.

Tyson’s most memorable game was Nov. 4, 2017, when the Griffins beat St. Charles East in the second round of the playoffs.

“We won on a field goal in the mud,” he said. “We had to run the ball out every single play, and every little thing had to go into winning that game. That was cool to see.”

Lincoln-Way East coach Rob Zvonar watches his team warm up against Crete-Monee before a nonconference game on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021. (John Smierciak/Daily Southtown)

Trey’s fondest memories include former Griffins who are succeeding now.

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“It’s been fun to watch great players go through the program and go to college,” he said.

Colton, meanwhile, loved being close to the action for state championship games.

“Just being on the field and walking out there was great,” he said.

All three will walk on the field Saturday for a state championship game as players.

Rob Zvonar, father first and coach second, is elated.

“I will look back at this in the future,” he said. “And these will be some of the best years of my life, without a doubt.”