John Hart of Huntley High School named Bears High School Coach of the Week

LAKE FOREST, IL – John Hart of Huntley High School in Huntley, IL was named the Chicago Bears High School “Coach of the Week” for Week 5.

Hart led the Red Raiders to a 29-8 win over defending IHSA Class 6A champion and previously unbeaten Cary-Grove last Friday, September 25. It marked the first time that Huntley defeated Cary-Grove after 11 previous meetings. The win moved Huntley to 5-0 on the season and put them in the driver’s seat in Fox Valley’s Valley Division. Hart is in his fourth season at Huntley.  He has led the Red Raiders to the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, and has them positioned for a third playoff run in 2015.

Coach Hart will be invited to the Bears vs. Redskins game on Sunday, December 13 and will join his fellow 2015 “Coach of the Week” honorees for an on-field photo during pregame. He will also receive a framed certificate signed by Bears head coach John Fox and have the opportunity to visit Halas Hall for lunch and practice viewing.

The Chicago Bears “Coach of the Week” program is in its 20th 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, 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 31 through October 26.  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 $245,000 to Illinois high schools in support of their football programs. The Chicago Bears “Coach of the Week” program is brought to you by FOX 32 Chicago.

In addition to “Coach of the Week” winners attending the Bears vs. Redskins game on December 13, all eight IHSA football state champion teams will be recognized at this game. The Chicago Bears, in partnership with the Illinois High School Association, will invite representatives from each team to the game and a special recognition of their state titles will take place during halftime.