Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lions have named Bill Santilli of Crystal Falls Forest Park as the 2011 week nine recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program Presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.
Santilli led his Trojans to a 38-8 victory over Lake Linden-Hubbell on Friday (Oct. 21) to improve to 7-1 on the season. Crystal Falls Forest Park is ranked No. 5 in Division 8 by the Detroit Free Press.
Santilli has been coaching at Crystal Falls Forest Park for 20 seasons, including the last 16 as head coach. He has guided the Trojans to 15 consecutive state playoff appearances, which includes the 2007 Division 8 state title and six state runner-up finishes. His career record stands at 150-41.
This week Santilli and the Trojans play host to Stephenson (7-2).
COACH OF THE WEEK PROGRAM
Each week throughout the 2011 nine-week high school regular season, one coach that best develops his players’ character, discipline and football skill will be recognized for his commitment to the team, school and community. The winner is selected by a panel of three newspaper writers -- Mick McCabe (Detroit Free Press), Jane Bos (Grand Rapids Press) and Hugh Bernreuter (Saginaw News).
This season’s program will award $22,000 to aid in the development and promotion of high school football in the state of Michigan thanks to contributions from the Detroit Lions and the National Football League and presenting sponsor the Michigan Army National Guard.
Each winning coach throughout the regular season will receive a $2,000 donation to his school’s football program. All weekly winners will be honored at an awards ceremony during the Lions-Vikings game at Ford Field on December 11. During the ceremony, the Lions will also introduce the High School Coach of the Year. This year’s Coach of the Year will receive a $4,000 donation to his team’s football program.
In addition to the monetary award, all winners receive a framed certificate signed by Lions’ head coach Jim Schwartz and National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell. Winning coaches also receive a personalized game ball, and a Detroit Lions “Coach of the Week” hat.
In its 15th year, the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program will have awarded $290,000 to high school football programs throughout the state of Michigan. For more information on the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program, contact Chad Walker at (313) 216-4000.
