Bears award weekly honor to Maine East coach Corey

Gabe Corey of Maine East High School was named the Chicago Bears High School "Coach of the Week" for Week 1 of the high school season.

Coach Corey led Maine East to a 19-9 win over Carl Schurz High School last Friday as the Blue Demons snapped a 39-game losing streak that dates to 2004.

After coaching at Maine East from 1993-2002, Corey has returned this season as the head varsity football coach.

In honor of Corey, $1,500 will be donated to Maine East's football program. Corey will be invited to the Bears-Rams game on Sunday, Dec. 6, and will be recognized in an on-field ceremony that day. He will also receive a framed certificate and will have the opportunity to attend a Bears practice and "chalk-talk" with Bears head coach Lovie Smith and other 2009 "Coach of the Week" honorees.

The Chicago Bears "Coach of the Week" program enters its 14th 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 unique coaching methodology, community or off-field components, school and community support, volunteerism, and, most important, contributions to players' long-term success on and off the field.

Since the program's inception, the Bears have donated more than $175,000 to Illinois high schools in support of their football programs. For more information, visit chicagobears.com/community.