BEARS ANNOUNCE HIGH SCHOOL COACH AND ALL-STAR OF THE WEEK—WEEK 8

BEARS HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE WEEK

Pat New of Benet Academy in Lisle, IL was named the Chicago Bears High School "Coach of the Week" for Week 8.

Coach New led the Redwings to an impressive 34-24 win over highly-ranked Marist High School last Friday, handing them their first loss of the season. Benet could win the school's first ever East Suburban Catholic Conference title with a win over Joliet Catholic Academy this week. The Redwings are currently 7-1 on the season.

2012 has been a turnaround season for Coach New and Benet after posting a 1-8 record in 2011. Last season, the Redwings scored a total of 43 points. Through eight games in 2012, Benet has tallied 298 points and is in good position heading into the IHSA State Football Playoffs.

Coach New 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

Eric Brydl of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield, IL was named the "Bears High School All-Star" for Week 8.

Brydl, a senior defensive back and wide receiver, helped lead the Cyclones to a 40-35 victory over long-time rival Chatham Glenwood High School by returning two fumbles for touchdowns and recording an interception. In the second quarter, Brydl scooped up a Glenwood fumble and returned it 50 yards for a score. In the third quarter, the Cyclones stripped Glenwood's running back and the ball popped into Brydl's hands on the fly. Again, he raced 50 yards for a touchdown. To seal the victory, Brydl intercepted Glenwood's desperation pass with four seconds left.

Sacred Heart-Griffin improved their record to 7-1 for the season, and currently stands atop of the Central State Eight Conference standings. They will close out the regular season against Springfield Lanphier on Friday.

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.