Monken steps down at West Chicago

A member of one of Illinois' great football-coaching families, Ted Monken has resigned as football coach at West Chicago.

Monken submitted his resignation Wednesday to West Chicago athletic director Doug Mullaney, who confirmed that the resignation will be accepted during the Community High School District 94 Board meeting Tuesday. Monken will continue to teach physical education at the high school.

"I gave four years to the program to try to get it going and I just felt at this point I'm ready to pass the torch to somebody else to see if they can lead the program to new places," Monken said Saturday.

Coming off a 2-7 record last fall, Monken was 7-29 in four seasons at West Chicago. In 11 seasons, which include head coaching positions at St. Charles East and Metea Valley, his overall record was 48-59. Monken led St. Charles East to the Class 7A playoffs five straight seasons from 2005-09.

"Just like always, we'll regroup and hire somebody and we'll try to move forward. We're really proud of what Ted did," Mullaney said.

Monken, son of Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame coach Bob Monken and among 12 Monkens who have coached prep, college or professional football, had only good things to say about West Chicago.

"It's been a great place to coach, I've been supported and treated well. I couldn't ask for anything more, but right now it's time for a change," he said.

"I enjoy teaching there and I plan to keep teaching there for a long time."