From now through noon on Monday, Oct. 3, U.S. Cellular is asking communities to nominate a current high school football head coach and share a story of why the coach is the most valuable player on their school’s team. This is all part of a new initiative to highlight the efforts of the men and women who make a profound impact on individuals, schools and communities, called the Most Valuable Coach program. At the completion of the nomination process, two coaches will be selected to be recognized on the field at the Under Armour High School All-America Game and receive $5,000 for their school. The top 50 coaches will be announced Tuesday, Oct. 4, and from then until Monday, Oct. 17, the public will be able to vote at TheMostValuableCoach.com. The top vote-getters will advance to the Final 15 and will receive $1,000 for their school and will be invited to a special event in their honor. From that pool, two winning coaches will be selected, again through a public vote, from Oct. 20 through Nov. 18 and will be announced on Nov. 21. Winners and their guests will be provided a trip to Orlando, Fla. for recognition live at the Citrus Bowl. To launch the program, U.S. Cellular has reunited College Football Hall of Fame Coach Barry Alvarez with members of his 1979 Mason City High School football team, who he coached to the Class 4A Iowa state title. More information or to view a video of the Mason City team sharing how Alvarez and other coaches impacted their lives and community can also be found at TheMostValuableCoach.com.
