The Detroit Lions have named Eric Sweeney of Ubly High School the week nine recipient of the 2023 High School Football Coach of the Week program. Sweeney’s Bearcats defeated Montrose 41-15 to complete their regular season at 9-0 for the 3rd consecutive season. The Bearcats, who have won 30 regular season games in a row, are currently ranked number 4 in Division 8. On Friday, October 24, Ubly hosts 7-2 Burton Bentley in the pre-district round of the 2023 MHSAA Football playoffs in only the 2nd matchup all-time between these two programs.
Sweeney is in his 4th season as head coach and has coached in Ubly over 20 years. He coached in the Ubly Youth Football program for nearly a decade, Ubly Jr. High School for 7 seasons and also spent time as the Ubly JV Football head coach. During his time as varsity head coach, Sweeney has directed the Bearcats to the playoffs in all four seasons, with Division 8 Finals appearances in both 2020 & 2022 and a state semi-finals appearance in 2021. Sweeney’s career record is 43-5 (89.6%).
Detroit Lions Football Education sat down with Sweeney to talk about the week nine victory over Montrose, what to expect from their pre-district playoff opponent Burton Bentley, and the program and coaching development process in Ubly. Sweeney was also informed of his Coach of the Week selection on Head Coach Hangout. See his reaction and the entire interview by visiting www.DetroitLions.com/coachoftheweek.
High School Football Coach of the Week Program
Each week throughout the 2023 high school football regular season, one coach that best demonstrates success on and off the field, develops players’ character, discipline, and football skill in addition to emphasizing player health and safety in their program, will be recognized for his commitment to the team, school, and community. The winner is selected by a panel of high school football media members—Mick McCabe (Detroit Free Press), Hugh Bernreuter (Saginaw News), Bret Bakita (WOOD Radio-106.9 FM, 96.1 FM- The Game, Fox 17/Grand Rapids), James Cook (Traverse City Record-Eagle) and Scott DeCamp (CatchMark SportsNet).
This season’s program will award $12,000 to aid in the development and promotion of high school football in the state of Michigan, thanks to contributions from the Detroit Lions and the NFL Foundation.
Each winning coach during the regular season will receive a $1,000 donation to his school’s football program. At the conclusion of the 2023 Michigan High School Football season, the Lions will also select the High School Football Coach of the Year. This season’s Coach of the Year will receive a $3,000 donation to his school’s football program. All winners will receive a certificate signed by Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Currently in its’ 27th year, the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program has awarded $491,000 to high school football programs throughout the state of Michigan. For more information on the High School Coach of the Week program, contact Chris Fritzsching, Lions’ Executive Director of Football Education, at [email protected].
About the NFL Foundation: The National Football League Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football – from players at all levels to communities across the country. The NFL Foundation represents the 32 NFL clubs and supports the health and safety of athletes, youth football, and the communities which support our game.
The above story is from the Detroit Lions
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2023 Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week Winners
Week 8 – Steve Herrick, Corunna HS
Week 7 – Don Jess, Charlevoix HS
Week 6 – Larry Witham, North Muskegon HS
Week 5 – Bob Meyer, Avondale HS
Week 4 – Brent Cummings, Rockford HS
Week 3 – Jake Weingartz, Davison HS
Week 2 – Gary Houghton, Mason HS
