Datka, in his 42nd and final season as the head coach of the Division 1 program, led the Warhawks to a 17-10 upset victory over No. 1-ranked Homestead in the second level of the WIAA playoffs last Saturday. The victory marked Germantown's first win in the last 10 years over the Highlanders.
"It was an exciting game and our guys played very hard," Datka said. "I was very proud of our players, as proud as I've ever been. It was a great day and a great win."
Datka began his coaching career at Francis Jordan (Wis.) High School as an assistant in 1967 before taking over as head coach in 1968. In 1969, he accepted the head coaching job at Germantown, and plans to retire following the 2010 season. In 1998, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
A native of Milwaukee, Datka played football at Don Bosco (Wis.) High School for head coach Jim Haluska. Upon graduating in 1963, he played both guard and linebacker at St. Joseph's (Ind.) College for head coach Jim Arnenberg.
Datka and his staff oversee a program of 150 players. He is assisted by Jason Baumann, Dave Brankse, Jake Davis, Jon Davis, Rob Fliss, Steve Martin, Mike Pfeifer, Ryan Pollow, Gary, Soike, Steve Tennies, and Matt Ward.
Datka and his wife, Mary, have two daughters, Allison and Jessica, and one son, Doug.
The Packers will recognize one outstanding high school coach as their 'Coach of the Week' winner during the 2010 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, youth football 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.
