What's Happening?
Chris Skinner, the head coach of Andrean High School's football team, has been named the Indianapolis Colts/NFL Coach of the Week. This recognition comes after Andrean High School, ranked Class 2A-No.
4, secured the 2025 Northwest Crossroads Conference championship with a decisive 19-3 victory over Class 4A-No. 10 Lowell. The team has an impressive record of 8-1, with their only loss occurring in the season opener against Class 5A-No. 6 Merrillville. This is not Skinner's first time receiving this honor; he was previously named Colts Coach of the Week in 2020. The award is part of a long-standing tradition by the Colts to recognize outstanding high school football coaches across Indiana, now in its 26th year.
Why It's Important?
The recognition of Chris Skinner as Coach of the Week highlights the significant role high school sports play in local communities. Such awards not only celebrate the achievements of coaches and teams but also emphasize the importance of sportsmanship, leadership, and community involvement. The Colts' initiative to honor high school coaches underscores the value placed on developing young athletes and fostering a positive sports culture. The award includes a $1,000 donation to the school's athletic fund from the NFL Foundation, further supporting the development of sports programs at the high school level. This recognition can inspire other coaches and teams to strive for excellence both on and off the field.
What's Next?
At the end of the high school football season, each winning coach will receive additional support, including a commemorative plaque and further financial contributions to their school's athletic programs. Corteva Agriscience will provide an additional $1,000 to the school's athletic fund, and Certor Sports will offer a $1,000 helmet credit to the athletic department. These contributions aim to enhance the resources available to high school sports programs, promoting safety and excellence in athletics. The ongoing recognition program by the Colts will continue to spotlight coaches who make a significant impact on their teams and communities.