The Chicago Bears have officially named head coach Chris Bazant of Addison Trail High School in Addison, Ill., as the Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week for Week 8. The recognition is presented by Athletico Physical Therapy. The Bears will make a $2,000 donation to the Addison Trail football program.
On Oct. 12, head coach Chris Bazant guided his team, the Addison Trail Blazers (6-2), to a 20-7 road conference victory against the Leyden Eagles (2-6), on Thursday afternoon. This win secured their playoff spot for the first time since 2014. Coach Bazant took over the Blazers program in 2020 after Coach Paul Parpet Jr. stepped down from the program after 10 years. When he took over, he understood the challenges that come with it, given that the team only had three winning seasons in the past 17 years. Coach Bazant and his staff focused on rebuilding the Blazer program by investing in the youth football programs. They provided opportunities for their players by exposing them to experiences they wouldn’t have otherwise had, such as participating in the Bears 11-On competition and various off-the-field team-building activities. Coach Bazant remains committed to investing in his players to ensure their ongoing success beyond high school. The Blazers are now preparing to face their conference rivals, the Downers Grove South Mustangs (5-3), on Friday, Oct. 20, for a chance to finish first in the West Suburban Gold Conference.
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 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
