Bill Hass, of Shawano High School, has been named Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week, the organization announced Wednesday.
Hass, a 24-year veteran of coaching, is entering his second season as the head football coach at Shawano. Last Friday night against Hortonville, Hass led his team to its third straight victory of the 2009 season. The Hawks trailed 12-5 in the second half, but went on to score 26 unanswered points to finish with a convincing 31-12 win. Friday night's win gave Shawano its best start in more than eight seasons and placed them in a three-way tie for first place in the Bay Conference.
"The kids are hard workers and they are learning how to win," Hass said. "You can see the confidence in their eyes."
Hass began his head-coaching career at Fennimore (Wis.) High School in 1986. He then moved on to Oconto High School, where he spent four years, and Peru (Ind.) High School for three, before taking over the reins as the head football coach and physical education teacher for Shawano in 2008.
Hass's staff consists of assistant coaches Adam Gafner, Bill Hass, Russell Hass, Bernard Hosley, Mike Peters, Aaron Retzlaff, Jason Rosenow, Ron Schmalz, Andy Taber, Jude Wachtel, Rob Wolff, and Steve Zais.
"Our coaching staff is new this year, and they're doing an excellent job," said Hass.
A native of Antigo, Wis., Hass was a two-way player during his own prep career, appearing at both quarterback and defensive back during his days at Bowler High School. He attended college at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he graduated in 1977.
Hass and his wife, Mary, have two sons, Dustin and Zachary, and three daughters, Emily, Hannah, and Molly.
*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.*
