BEARS ANNOUNCE HIGH SCHOOL COACH AND ALL-STAR OF THE WEEK—WEEK 5

BEARS HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE WEEK

Aaron Kunz of Williamsville High School in Williamsville, IL was named the Chicago Bears High School "Coach of the Week" for Week 5.

After a 44-0 win over Pawnee High School last Friday, Coach Kunz and the Bullets extended their record to a perfect 5-0. Through five weeks, Williamsville is yet to be scored upon and has outscored their opponents 216-0.

Kunz is in his 10th season as head coach, and has led Williamsville to the IHSA state playoffs seven times during his tenure. He remains dedicated to helping develop quality young players through Williamsville's junior football program, which has endeared him to the community and has also helped rejuvenate a high school program that had been experiencing declining numbers.

Coach Kunz 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

Chris James was named the "Bears High School All-Star" for Week 5.

Chris James of Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, IL was named the "Bears High School All-Star" for Week 5.

James contributed 258 rushing yards and six touchdowns to the Dons 49-20 victory over rival St. Viator High School last Friday. The junior running back scored on runs of 1, 22, 14, 95, and 3 yards, and also hauled in a 19-yard touchdown pass. This marked the fifth consecutive game that James has rushed for over 100 yards. Notre Dame is 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the powerful East Suburban Catholic Conference. They currently stand in second place behind unbeaten and state-ranked Marist. The Dons play Nazareth at home this Friday, and then will travel to Marist the following week for an ESCC showdown.

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.

For more information, log on to www.chicagobears.com/community or call the Chicago Bears Community Relations department at (847) 739-5418.