JP Chaney found what he was looking for in a college football program at Aurora University, and it’s no coincidence it starts with coach Don Beebe.
They have some history.
Chaney, a 2023 Batavia graduate, trained in Beebe’s House of Speed program while in high school. The 6-foot, 235-pound sophomore defensive end has known the AU coach since grade school. Chaney’s dad, Jeremiah, also was an assistant coach on Beebe’s Aurora Christian staff.
“I was always paying attention to what he had to say to the team, standing at the back of the group on the track at practices or games,” said JP, who served as a volunteer ball boy and water boy along with Beebe’s nephews.
That history continues next week when the Spartans (9-1) open the NCAA Division III playoffs at 11 a.m. Saturday against Hope (10-0) in Holland, Michigan.
Jeremiah Chaney, who played four years at Wheaton College, is in his sixth season as a member of Beebe’s AU staff after a short stint at Naperville North. He has moved this fall from offensive line to defensive line, where he serves as his son’s position coach.
“JP was looking for a faith-based school or connection,” Beebe said. ”He’s a big leader in this area and found a real good fit here. It’s what he enjoys the most.”
Chaney spent this past summer working with a church camp in Rockaway Beach, Missouri, just outside of Branson.
The town was located on a hill that played a key role in offseason training that has been paying dividends this season.
“I was able to lift weights,” he said. “And one of the trainers at Batavia gave me a hill workout that I tried to do consistently, four times a week.”
Yorkville quarterback Michael Dopart gets pressured by Batavia’s JP Chaney and Jordan Buckley during a Class 7A state quarterfinal game in Batavia on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. (Jon Langham / The Beacon-News)
Beebe took note.
“For a sophomore, JP is one of the top players in the area,” Beebe said. “He’s really good, and when you think of JP, it’s that his motor runs the whole time.
“He’s playing really explosive this year, and I think those hill workouts really helped.”
Chaney, who saw spot duty last season in a rotation on the defensive line, moved into a starting role this year. And he’s never looked back.
“Making my college choice was a tough decision but I’m happy with it,” Chaney said. “This program has had success and has a sense of community similar to what we had in Batavia. I still text coach (Dennis) Piron regularly, and he’ll send out updates congratulating us on a good game.
“I’m enjoying working with my dad. Now I see him every day. He pushes me to a level I’ve never been pushed before.”
Chaney ranks sixth on the team in tackles with 36 and leads with 11 1/2 tackles for loss and eight sacks for a unit ranked No. 12 in total defense at 235.7 yards a game in Division III.
“JP played quarterback early in his high school career then tight end and defensive line and also played basketball, so he’s an all-around athlete,” Beebe said. “He’s very quick.”
Chaney points to the mentoring he’s received from his starting linemates who are all fifth-year seniors. They include tackles Jaylen Jordan and Isaiah Perrin and end Deuce Moore.
“Jaylen had four Division I offers but chose to stay,” Beebe said of the Lincoln-Way East graduate. “He’s just a stud, what we call an alpha dog and a leader who does a lot for the program.
“Moore runs a 4.5-second 40. He’s the fastest defensive lineman I’ve had at AU.”
Lake Zurich’s James Strojny, right, blocks Batavia’s JP Chaney to clear space for teammate Chris Pirrone, left, during a Class 7A state semifinal in Lake Zurich on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (Mark Ukena / The Beacon-News)
As far as making tackles, Jordan has 44, followed by Perrin with 32 and Moore with 23.
“All of them make my life a lot easier,” Chaney said. “Jaylen makes a lot of plays, and every team has to game plan for him. He’s like having a coach out there with you. We’re always talking and communicating.”
It will be a well-rested AU team making the program’s fifth straight playoff appearance.
The Spartans played their last game on Nov. 9, beating Eureka 56-0. They had a bye the final week of the regular season and have a first-round bye this week due a new format in the playoffs since the NCAA increased the field from 32 to 40 teams.
“The break is an opportunity to get everybody healthy,” Chaney said. “We’ve got some guys banged up. It’s also a nice little mental break since it’s been go, go, go for a good stretch now.”
Beebe isn’t sure he likes it.
“It’s like a three-week bye,” he said. “We should be well prepared. I’ll let you know how I feel about it in two weeks.”
