Ken Leonard of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield, IL was named the Chicago Bears High School "Coach of the Week" for Week 1.
With a 41-7 win over Springfield Southeast High School last Friday, Leonard became only the sixth coach in Illinois state history to win 300 games. In 29 seasons as head coach of the Cyclones, Leonard has won 268 games and three state championships. His career record, including his years as head coach at Gridley High School, is 300-65, with a winning percentage of .822.
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Miguel "Michael" Hermosillo of Ottawa Township High School in Ottawa, IL was named the "Bears High School All-Star" for Week 1. |
In addition to his stellar coaching record, Leonard was a force in getting the school's first football stadium built on the Sacred Heart-Griffin campus. Leonard is also very active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves on the Nike Coaches' Advisory Board.
Coach Leonard will be invited to the Bears vs. Seahawks game on Sunday, December 2 and will be recognized during an on-field ceremony. He will also receive a framed certificate and attend a Bears practice and "chalk-talk" with head coach Lovie Smith and other 2012 "Coach of the Week" honorees.
The Chicago Bears "Coach of the Week" program is in its 17th season. The program honors outstanding Illinois high school coaches who develop players' football skills and knowledge, character, leadership, discipline and teamwork abilities. Other criteria considered include unique coaching methodology, community and off-field components, school and community support, volunteerism and, most importantly, contributions to players' long-term success on and off the field.
The program will run for nine weeks from August 27 through October 22. Deserving high school coaches are nominated by a panel of local prep authorities and the winning "Coach of the Week" is selected each week. The Chicago Bears will make a $1,500 contribution to the football program at each winning coach's school.
Since the program's inception, the Bears have donated over $210,000 to Illinois high schools in support of their football programs. The Chicago Bears "Coach of the Week" program is brought to you by FOX Chicago.
In addition to the "Coach of the Week" winners being honored at the Bears vs. Seahawks game on December 2, all eight IHSA football state champion teams will be recognized at this game. The Chicago Bears, in partnership with the Illinois High School Association and the Illinois Army National Guard, will invite representatives from each team to the game, and a special recognition of their state titles will take place during halftime.
BEARS HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR OF THE WEEK
Miguel "Michael" Hermosillo of Ottawa Township High School in Ottawa, IL was named the "Bears High School All-Star" for Week 1.
Hermosillo, who is a senior running back for the Pirates, ran for a school-record 351 yards and five touchdowns in a 49-0 win over Yorkville last Friday. All of those yards were compiled on nine total carries, for an astounding average of 39 yards per carry. His performance was highlighted by runs of 17, 91, 90, 27 and 62 yards.
Earlier last week, Hermosillo committed to play both football and baseball at the University of Illinois.
Each week for nine weeks, an outstanding high school football player will be selected through the "Bears High School All-Stars" program. Each of the nine players will have the opportunity to direct a $1,000 monetary donation to the youth football program of his choice. In addition, the nine players will be guests of the Bears and the Illinois Army National Guard at the Bears vs. Seahawks game on Sunday, December 2 and will be recognized during an on-field ceremony. The nomination criteria for the program include on-field performance, community involvement and good sportsmanship.
The "Bears High School All-Stars" program, which is sponsored by the Illinois Army National Guard, will run from August 27 through October 22. Deserving high school players are nominated by a panel of local prep authorities, and the winning player is selected each week.
In addition to the "Bears High School All-Stars" being honored at the Bears vs. Seahawks game on December 2, all eight IHSA football state champion teams will be recognized at this game. The Chicago Bears, in partnership with the Illinois High School Association and the Illinois Army National Guard, will invite representatives from each team to the game, and a special recognition of their state titles will take place during halftime.