Keith O'Donnell, coach at Saint Croix Falls High School, has been named Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week, the Packers announced Thursday.
In his 34th year as head coach of the Saints, O'Donnell has brought the Division 5 Lakeland Large school to a 5-0 conference record (8-0 overall) including three shutouts. Saint Croix Falls faces Flambeau tonight in the conference championship. The Saints have already clinched a playoff spot, making this their first post-season appearance since 1993.
O'Donnell, a Stockbridge, Wis., native, attended Wisconsin Rapids Assumption High School where he was coached by Don Penza. He played college football under Ron Skipper at Central College in Iowa. His current post is as physical education teacher at Saint Croix Falls.
Assisted by Jason Sinz, Jason Manning, Steve Ruble, Steve Bont, Don Peterson and Bink Ward, O'Donnell, who has also served as the Saints' wrestling coach for the past 23 years, began his first year as head coach in 1972. He is married to Sandy. The couple has a son, Chris, and daughter, Kim.
"This is something that I never expected and it's quite an honor," O'Donnell said. "Our assistant coaches have a lot to do with this award. We have had a good season and we face a tough game against Flambeau tonight and then of course, the playoffs."
The Packers will recognize one outstanding high school coach as their 'Coach of the Week' winner during the 2005 high school football season. Coach of the Week 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 relations, 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.
