Johnston named Chicago Bears Coach of the Week

By: 
Shawn Long
Sports Writer

by shawn long
Sports writer
It pays to play high school football.
The Reed-Custer program is $2,000 richer now that coach Gavin Johnston was awarded Chicago Bears Coach of the Week after their 33-9 win over Coal City on Friday, Oct. 15.
In that game, it was also the first win for the program against the Coalers since 2009. Johnston was honored to receive the award. He actually thought one of his former players was playing a joke on him when the Bears gave him a call.
“It was pretty cool last night,” said Johnston. “My wife was watching NFHS and she was telling me they just put me on the TV. The kids will like text or call from like weird numbers so immediately I looked at it and I was thinking somebody is messing with me. It’s really cool to be a part of it. It’s just awesome what they do with the outreach program so I’m completely blown away by it that they would recognize a school of our size. I can’t just take credit for the award. I have a great support system at home that makes me a good football coach with two little kids. Obviously, my coaching staff and the kids. They make anybody look like a good coach when they play like they do.”
Along with that, Johnston was awarded tickets to take his family when the Bears host the Vikings on Dec. 20. Johnston used to be a Rams fan so this would be the first time he would get to go to a Bears game.
“That would pretty cool,” added Johnston. “I’ve never been to a game. I actually used to be a season ticket holder for the St. Louis Rams when they were in St. Louis. They moved out to LA and they made me mad so I haven’t been to a professional football game since. It’d be a cool experience and I’m really honored by the recogniton. It’s a Monday night game, hopefully Jordy and Rory can stay awake for it.
Johnston said it’s also an honor to receive the same award as Coal City running back Daniel Jezik, when he was recognized for athlete of the week in 2019.
“That’s pretty cool,” commented Johnston. “It definitely makes you appreciate everything that’s going on and the run and this special season that we are having.”