Kyle Korinek, of Reedsville High School, has been named Green Bay Packers Coach of the Week, the organization announced Thursday. Korinek is the first recipient of the award in 2007.
"I'd like to thank my parents and my family," Korinek said. "I wouldn't be where I am today without them. I'd also like to thank my fiancé Anna. She's stood by me and has been absolutely wonderful."
Korinek was an assistant coach at Reedsville in 2006 under head coach Pat Popp, coaching the linebackers. He was promoted to head coach in 2007.
In his first game in charge of the Panthers, the team pulled off a 53-0 victory over Sevastopol last Friday while racking up 442 rushing yards. The Panthers (1-0) defense held the Pioneers (0-1) to 42 total yards and minus-(-2) rushing.
"We have a great group of senior leaders this year," he said. "They're sick of not winning and not getting to the playoffs. They've made that a goal of theirs. I wouldn't want to coach anywhere else. I truly believe that."
Korinek, a Two Rivers native, graduated from Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2006, playing linebacker under head coach John Miech. He also played linebacker at Two Rivers High School under head coach Larry Feest.
When he isn't coaching his 30-member varsity squad, which includes 14 returning starters, Korinek teaches chemistry and physical science to sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Korinek is assisted this season by Ben Voeltz, Tim Shimek, Nick Oswald, Rick Rosenbaum, Todd Roehrig, John Ambrosius, Aaron Fredrick and Greg Penza.
"This is more of a coaching staff award than a head coach award," Korinek said. "I can't say enough about them. They've helped me on every step of the road. They're a pleasure to work with."
The Panthers, a member of the Packerland-Olympian Small Conference, will host another conference foe in the Brillion Lions (1-0) on Friday at 7 p.m.
The Packers will recognize one outstanding high school coach as their 'Coach of the Week' winner during the 2007 high school football season. Winners are awarded several items and privileges, including a $1,000 donation to the school's football program from the Green Bay Packers and the NFL, as well as recognition of the award on www.NFLHS.com, the NFL's high school football Web site.
Nominations for Coach of the Week should be submitted by 9 a.m. every Monday to Cathy A. Dworak, manager of community outreach, at coachoftheweek@packers.com (e-mail) or by fax at (920) 569-7302. Please include the nominee's name, address, school, phone number, and reason he/she is deserving of the award.
