After weeks of sorting through 100 applications and conducting interviews, math teacher and former defensive coordinator Mike Jones has been appointed the new head coach for the Wildcat football program.
“I’m happy for him. He works as hard, if not harder, than any coach I've ever had. He also knows the game of football inside and out,” responded junior running back Joey Salata.
Jones has more than enough experience for the job. Before working at LHS, he taught math and coached basketball and football at Grayslake High School for 13 years. When he came to LHS, he brought his skills and work ethic and has shown this through 10 years of dedication to the Wildcat football program.
“He has a lot of qualities we were looking for in a coach and teacher. He has a lot of experience with previous coaching jobs and playing experience,” replied Athletic Director Briant Kelly.
Kelly was in charge of the interview process. He initially had to narrow it down from 100 to 10 applicants, who he then interviewed. After these initial interviews, he narrowed it down to five applicants. These applicants were then put through a committee interview made up of coaches, teachers, and an LHS parent. Once the committee made up their decision, it was approved by the District 128 Board of Education on Jan. 23.
“I was obviously excited, but there’s also a sense of responsibility. This is an important sport to the school because it kicks off the school year,” said Jones.
Not only is Jones himself extremely excited, but former head Coach Randy Kuceyeski is just as happy for him and plans on returning next year to watch a few games as well.
“He’s very qualified and organized, the kids respect him, and he knows what it takes to win,” responded Kuz. “He helped me out last year when I wasn’t there under the circumstances in the fall and he deserves it.”
Although it’s still quite early in the year to tell how next season will go, Jones has a few changes in mind to make his first season as head coach successful.
“There will be a big change this summer with the summer football camp changing from three days to four. We’re also going to set up a study table for those who qualify for athletic ineligibility. As for the fans, we’re hoping they’ll see a large change offensively,” mentioned Jones.
Jones will take over the offensive side next season and has appointed fellow math teacher and Coach Tim Budge as the new defensive coordinator.
As for the team, the players all seem to have the same reaction to Jones becoming the new head coach: happiness.
“I think out of every coach that went out for that job that he truly deserved it over all of them. He has been with the team for a while and knows the tradition more than any other coach possibly could have,” added junior defensive back Logan Reiff.