Stuglis nets Bears' coaching honor

Jim Stuglis of Crystal Lake South was named the Chicago Bears high school Coach of the Week on Monday.

The Gators are 4-0 and ranked No. 3 in Class 7A by The Associated Press. Stuglis has a coaching record of 59-24, which is the most coaching victories in Crystal Lake South history.

The Gators have won their playoff openers each of the last five years, and advanced to one semifinal and two quarterfinals.

In honor of Stuglis, $1,500 will be donated to Crystal Lake South's football program. Stuglis will be invited to the Bears-Giants game on Sunday, Dec. 2, and will be recognized in an on-field ceremony that day. Honorees will also receive a framed certificate and will attend a Bears' practice and "chalk-talk" with Bears coach Lovie Smith.

The Bears' Coach of the Week program enters its 12th season this year. The program honors outstanding Illinois high school coaches who develop players' football skills and knowledge, character, leadership, discipline, and teamwork abilities. Other criteria considered include graduation rates, coaching technique, school and community support, volunteerism, and, most importantly, contributions to players' long-term success on and off the field.

Coaches are nominated by a panel of local prep authorities and Bears staff, and the winning "Coach of the Week" is selected each Monday. The Bears will make a $1,500 contribution to the football program at each winning coach's school.