The Kansas City Chiefs have announced their Coach of the Week honors for the fifth week of the 2019 season. The awards go to Summit Christian Academy coach Todd Berck and Paola High School coach Mike Dumpert.
As a result of this honor, both schools will receive a $500 player health and safety grant from the Hunt Family Foundation. Each school will also receive a Gatorade Sideline Kit, including coolers and Gatorade products. Additionally, both coaches will be presented congratulatory footballs autographed by Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid and a certificate recognizing their selection.
Both coaches are now qualified for the Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award, which will be voted on later this fall. The Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award is selected by a panel comprised of the Missouri and Kansas Boards from the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association. One coach will be selected from the pool of weekly winners and will be honored at the 2020 Pro Bowl as the Eric Driskell Coach of the Year.
Summit Christian beat University Academy, 63-6, to move to 6-0 on the season. The Eagles’ coach said this was an honor for his entire program.
“When I found out about it, I was shocked.” Berck said. “There are a lot of great coaches out there in the KC area. It is humbling to be chosen, and it’s a reflection of all the hard work our kids and coaching staff have put into this program. We strive for excellence here so we can give all the glory to God and be a witness for what He has done for us. We are thankful for the recognition.”
The Paola Panthers beat the Baldwin Bulldogs, 56-0, to move to 5-0 on the season. It was Paola’s second shutout and the Panthers have allowed just 31 points in five games. Dumpert said this is more about his players and coaches than him.
“I am always humbled by recognition for me, knowing it's really about the team.” Dumpert said. “My assistants are doing the heavy lifting, and the kids are playing their tails off.”
In its 23rd season, the 2019 High School Coach of the Week Fueled by Gatorade is a joint initiative of the Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League. This program is designed to recognize and reward Kansas City area high school coaches for superior performance on a weekly basis while honoring individuals who are shaping today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders.
