The Chicago Bears have officially named head coach Dan Tito from Joliet West High School in Joliet, IIl., as the final recipient of the 2023 Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week award. It’s presented by Athletico Physical Therapy. In support of the initiative, the Bears will make a $2,000 donation to the Joliet West football program.
On Oct. 20, head coach Dan Tito guided his team, the Joliet West Tigers (8-1), to a decisive 35-12 road conference victory against the Plainfield Central Wildcats (4-5) in their final regular-season game. This victory crowned them as the Southwest Prairie East Conference champions with an undefeated conference record of 5-0 for the first time in over 50 years, marking their most successful season since 1968. Coach Tito took the role of head coach for the Tigers’ varsity program in 2022, following the resignation of former head coach Bill Lech. Prior to becoming head coach, Tito served as the defensive coordinator for a season and as the head coach for the Tigers’ freshman team. Beyond the field, Coach Tito and his football program are involved in various community service initiatives. They have organized fundraising efforts within the team to collect money for breast cancer, organized free youth camps during the summer and hosted trivia events to raise funds for the Joliet Township High School Foundation. The Tigers are now preparing to take on the #24 seed St. Ignatius College Prep Wolfpack (6-3) in the first round of the Class 8A 2023 IHSA state playoffs on Friday night, Oct. 27
Chicago Bears news release
The above story is from the Chicago Bears
About “Coach of the Week” & “High School All-Star”
The Chicago Bears Coach of the Week program was launched in 1996 and High School All-Star program in 2011. The Coach of the Week program honors outstanding Illinois high school coaches who develop players’ football skills and knowledge, character, leadership, discipline and teamwork abilities. The nomination criteria for the High School All-Star program includes on-field performance, community involvement and good sportsmanship. Exceptional high school coaches and players who go beyond expectations are nominated by a panel of local high school sports journalists. The winning candidates are chosen each week from Aug. 25th to Oct. 21st. Since the program’s inception, the Bears have donated more than $369,000 to Illinois high schools in support of their football programs. For more information, please visit ChicagoBears.com/Community/High-School-Football.
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2023 Chicago Bears HS Coach of the Week Winners
Week 8 – Chris Bazant, Addison Trail HS
Week 7 – Michael Noymola, Huntley HS
Week 6 – Mike Silkowski, Lincoln Community HS
Week 5 – George Klupchak, Maine West HS
Week 4 – Jeff Boyer – Byron HS
Week 3 – Colton Nero – Amos Alonzo Stagg HS
Week 2 – Adam Chavez, West Chicago HS
Week 1 – Terry Maxwell, Seneca HS
