Mooseheart's Urwiler wins Bears Coach of the Week

Gary Urwiler of Moosehart High School was named the Chicago Bears High School “Coach of the Week” for Week 7.

Under Urwiler, the Moosehart Red Ramblers improved to 7-0 for the first time since 1996, with a 23-14 Northeastern Athletic Conference victory over previously unbeaten Chicago International Charter – Longwood Academy. This will be the school's fifth playoff appearance under Urwiler who is 58-52 in his tenure at Moosehart.

Urwiler and his staff teach fundamentals and football basics to youth who have arrived at the school with little or no organized football experience. This year, Urwiler has 52 of the 65 boys in the school playing in his program. He is a product of Moosehart and understands the sense of achievement athletic success can bring to kids who have already faced numerous obstacles.

In honor of Urwiler, $1,500 will be donated to Moosehart High School's football program. Urwiler will be invited to the Bears-Seahawks game on Sunday, Dec. 18 and will be recognized during an on-field ceremony. 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 2011 “Coach of the Week” honorees.

The Chicago Bears “Coach of the Week” program is in its 16th season. 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 and off-field components, school and community support, volunteerism and, most importantly, contributions to players' long-term success on and off the field.   

For more information, log on to www.chicagobears.com/community or call the Chicago Bears Community Relations department at (847) 739-5308.