LCHS Railers football coach Silkowski named “Coach of the Week” by Chicago Bears

 

[October 07, 2023] 

Lincoln Community High School head football coach Matt Silkowski has been named “Coach of the Week” for Week 6 in Illinois high school football, according to a press release from the Bears.

Silkowski was named the Week 6 coach following Lincoln’s 41-28 win over Jacksonville to move the Railers’ record to 5-1 and make the team playoff eligible for the first time since 1984.

“I was really excited for our program to be recognized at such a high level,” Silkowski said. “It’s really big props to our players; they’re the ones who play the games and executing what we call, and they did a great job of that.

“I haven’t really let it sink in yet. You’re so busy getting caught up in the day-to-day of this that I haven’t really processed it yet, but I’m glad that our players have been able to bring such great public, positive publicity to our program.”

The Chicago Bears “Coach of the Week” program was launched in 1996 and recognized outstanding Illinois high school coaches who develop players’ football skills and knowledge, character, leadership, discipline and teamwork abilities.

Silkowski will receive a congratulatory phone call from Bears’ Vice President and Director Pat McCaskey. In addition, Silkowski will be invited to a Bears Game in December to be recognized during halftime and to a luncheon for coaches at Halas Hall. The Bears will also make a $2,000 donation to the LCHS football program.

This award is the second recognition a member of the Railer football has received from the Bears this season. LCHS senior running back Ki’on Carson was named the Week 2 “High School All-Star” after scoring six touchdowns in Lincoln’s 46-6 win against Decatur Eisenhower.

The nomination criteria for the “High School All-Star” program includes on-field performance, community involvement and good sportsmanship. For receiving the honor, Carson is scheduled to be recognized at the December 10 Chicago Bears game against the Lions.

As part of the program, the Bears will make a $500 donation to the youth football program of Carson’s choice.

Deserving high school coaches and players are nominated by a panel of local prep authorities and the winning player is selected each week from August 27-October 23. Since the program’s inception, the Bears have donated more than $326,500 to Illinois high schools in support of their football programs.

[Text provided by WLCN Radio]