In Play Magazine
Allen Park, Mich. - The Detroit Lions have named Charles Spann of Detroit Pershing as the 2011 week one recipient of the High School Coach of the Week Program Presented by the Michigan Army National Guard.
Spann led his Doughboys to an 18-12 victory over Detroit Renaissance on Friday (August 26) to claim his first victory of the 2011 season. Spann is in his second season as head coach at Pershing and 41st season as a coach. He coached at Detroit Chadsey from 1974-99 and led the Explorers to 11 state playoff appearances and two Public School League championships. His career record stands at 143-95.
This week Spann and Pershing host Detroit Frederick Douglass (1-0).
COACH OF THE WEEK PROGRAMEach week throughout the 2011 nine-week high school regular season, one coach that best develops his players' character, discipline and football skill will be recognized for his commitment to the team, school and community. The winner is selected by a panel of three newspaper writers -- Mick McCabe (Detroit Free Press), Jane Bos (Grand Rapids Press) and Hugh Bernreuter (Saginaw News).
This season's program will award $22,000 to aid in the development and promotion of high school football in the state of Michigan thanks to contributions from the Detroit Lions and the National Football League and presenting sponsor the Michigan Army National Guard.
Each winning coach throughout the regular season will receive a $2,000 donation to his school's football program. All weekly winners will be honored at an awards ceremony during the Lions-Vikings game at Ford Field on December 11. During the ceremony, the Lions will also introduce the High School Coach of the Year. This year's Coach of the Year will receive a $4,000 donation to his team's football program.
In addition to the monetary award, all winners receive a framed certificate signed by Lions' head coach Jim Schwartz and National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell. Winning coaches also receive a personalized game ball, and a Detroit Lions "Coach of the Week" hat.
In its 15th year, the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program will have awarded $290,000 to high school football programs throughout the state of Michigan. For more information on the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program, contact Chad Walker at (313) 216-4000.
