Bartlett's Meaney named Chicago Bears Coach of Week

Tom Meaney of Bartlett has been named the Chicago Bears High School "Coach of the Week" for Week 8.

Coach Meaney's sixth-ranked Hawks improved their record to 8-0 for the first time in program history with a 28-14 victory over previously unbeaten Thornton last Saturday. This win helped Bartlett set a school record for victories. Bartlett will also be making its sixth straight playoff appearance under Meaney, who has never had a losing season since taking over the program in 2003.

While winning is important to Meaney, he cares first about his players and second about the score. At halftime of last Saturday's game, Meaney took time during the break to talk with a former player who was on leave from his tour of duty in Iraq. He is an honorable man whose goal is to help with the personal development of his players.

In honor of Meaney, $1,500 will be donated to Bartlett's football program. Meaney will be invited to the Bears-Jaguars game on Sunday, December 7, and will be recognized during 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 2008 "Coach of the Week" honorees.

The Chicago Bears "Coach of the Week" program entered its 13th 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 importantly, contributions to players' long-term success on and off the field.

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

Since the program's inception, the Bears have donated over $160,000 to Illinois high schools in support of their football programs. For more information, log on to www.chicagobears.com/community or call the Chicago Bears Community Relations department at (847) 739-5308.