The Packers have announced that Pat Schwanke of Appleton East High School has been named Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week.

Schwanke, in his 24th year as the head coach of Appleton East, led the Patriots to a 10-9 victory over conference rivals Appleton North. Friday's victory gave the Patriots their first win over the Lightning since 2003 and secured a spot in the 2014 WIAA Football Playoffs.

"The team this year is made up of hard-working kids who strive to get better every day at practice," said Schwanke. "It was their work ethic and perseverance that beat our crosstown rivals last Friday."

An Appleton, Wis. native, Schwanke is a 1979 graduate of Menasha High School, where he played tight end and linebacker under coach Jim Corrigan. After high school, he attended Lawrence University, where he played tight end for Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee Ron Roberts. Upon graduating in 1983, Schwanke accepted his first coaching position as an assistant at Appleton West High School. After spending two seasons coaching at Appleton West and one at Lawrence University, Schwanke took an assistant coaching position at Appleton East high school before being promoted to head coach in 1990. He is also the school's psychology and American history teacher.    

Schwanke and his staff oversee a program of 120 players, including a varsity roster of 60. His coaching staff includes Charlie Bruyette, Todd Bruyette, Beau DeBruin, Mike Grether, Jeff Heiers, Max Herrmann, Bill Jansen, Jake Jirschele, Brett Magnuson, Aaron Neimuth, Randy Reed, Erik Schroeder, Tom Schultz, Dick Timm, Tom Wallace, Steve Walker and Paul Zewicki.

Schwanke and his wife Cathy, have two daughters, Emily and Maggie, and one son, Mike.

About the Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week Program

The Packers will recognize one outstanding high school coach as their 'Coach of the Week' winner during the 2014 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, Wissports.net and Wifca.org.

Nominations for Coach of the Week should be submitted by 10 a.m. every Monday to Tim Schroeder, youth football coordinator, at coachoftheweek@packers.com 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.