Paul Havel, of Heritage Christian High School in Milwaukee, Wis., has been named Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week, the organization announced Wednesday.
Through the first five games of the 2009 season, Havel's Patriots team has stormed out to a 4-1 record, the best start in the program's six-year history. Making their early-season success even more special was the team's 35-34 come-from-behind win over conference-rival Lake Country Lutheran, another first for the young program.
"This was the first time that we defeated Lake Country Lutheran," Havel said. "It was a fun game with a lot of scoring and we were happy we were able celebrate an exciting homecoming victory."
Havel started his coaching career in 2004 as the head coach of Heritage's practice team. In 2005, the WIAA invited Heritage Christian to become a member of the Midwest Classic North Conference, and Havel subsequently assumed the head-coaching duties for the varsity program.
His coaching staff includes assistants Kiel Hoek, Brandon Saueressig and Alan Vance.
A native of Wilber, Neb., Havel played football at Wilber-Clatonia High School under Coach Dave Newmeyer. He initially attended the University of Nebraska, before transferring to Northwestern (Minn.) College where he played defensive tackle on the football team. Havel graduated from Northwestern in 1995, and became the physical education teacher and wrestling coach at Heritage.
The Packers will recognize one outstanding high school coach as their 'Coach of the Week' winner during the 2009 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 packers.com.
Nominations for Coach of the Week should be submitted by 9 a.m. every Monday to Tim Schroeder, community outreach coordinator, 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.
