Jerry Sinz, of Edgar High School, has been named Wisconsin Football Coaches Association/Green Bay Packers Coach of the Year, the organizations announced Tuesday.
The WFCA also announced the release of its All-State team and honorable mention selections for the 2008 season.
Sinz recently completed his 34th season as head coach of the Edgar football program. His Wildcat team finished with a record of 13-1 record in 2008, winning a Marawood Conference title in what was Sinz's 33rd consecutive winning season. In 2008, Sinz turned in the 10th undefeated regular season of his career, and led Edgar to the WIAA State Playoffs for the 21st time during his tenure at the school.
"We had a very successful and exiting season," said Sinz. "We had great leadership from our senior class, and we're looking forward to a fine season next year from our returning players."
Sinz began his coaching career in 1972 as an assistant coach at Edgar. In 1975 he was promoted to head coach, and just four years later in 1979, the Wildcats posted an undefeated season and were state champions. Since taking over the program, Sinz has compiled an impressive record of 304-70 (.813). He is also an engineering teacher at the school.
An Elmwood native, Sinz graduated from Wisconsin-Stout in 1972, after participating on the football team as a defensive back under coaches Stan Pierce and Max Sparger. He also played both running back and defensive back at Elmwood High School under 1983 WFCA Hall of Fame inductee, Arnie McKernon.
Sinz and his staff oversee a program made up of 43 varsity players. His assistant coaching staff includes Dave Bielmeier, Troy Blanchard, Kevin Koch, Richard Nowak, Jim Steinke and Greg Streit.
Sinz and his wife, Barb, have four sons, Jason, Jeremy, Jordan, and Justin.
In recognition of the honor, the Packers will award a $2,000 donation to the school's football program. Sinz will be presented with the award at the Packers home game vs. Detroit on Dec. 28, and honored on Jan. 25 at the WFCA All-State banquet in the Lambeau Field Atrium.
This marks the eighth year both the Green Bay Packers and WFCA have awarded the honor together. The WFCA has awarded a Coach of the Year since 1976, while the Packers presented the same award since 1998, in addition to the Coach of the Week program that has honored 117 coaches and programs statewide since its inception.
More information regarding this award, the All-State team and the WFCA is available at www.wifca.org/allstate.shtml.
