News Summary

Holy Family High School in Coon Rapids is ushering in a new era for its football team as Connor Wilkie is appointed as the new head coach. Following a successful season with an 8-3 record, Wilkie aims to continue the team’s positive momentum. With an experienced coaching staff including Hall of Fame coaches, the program is poised for future success. As the community rallies behind its team, excitement builds for the forthcoming football season and the impact Wilkie will have on the players and the program.

Exciting New Chapter for Holy Family High School Football in a Tight-Knit Community

Located in the vibrant community of Coon Rapids, Holy Family High School is kicking off the next chapter of its football program with the announcement of Connor Wilkie as the new head coach. This change comes as the team looks to build upon a successful previous season where they finished with a commendable 8-3 record.

Transition Time

Connor Wilkie takes the reins from veteran coach Dan O’Brien, who decided to step down earlier this year so he could dedicate more precious time to his family. Under O’Brien’s leadership, the Fire, as the team is affectionately known, made great strides on the field. However, Wilkie is more than ready to continue the momentum that the team has built.

Who is Connor Wilkie?

Wilkie is no stranger to football and coaching. A proud alumnus of Andover High School, he’s the son of former coach Rich Wilkie. After showcasing his abilities as a wide receiver at Southwest Minnesota State University, he honed his coaching skills as an assistant coach at Augsburg University. With such a solid background, Wilkie promises to bring fresh energy and strategy to the Fire.

Building a Strong Staff

Joining Wilkie in this latest endeavor is an impressive lineup of seasoned coaches. Among them are Hall of Fame coaches Dave Nelson and Jeff Ferguson, who have played pivotal roles since coming on board with O’Brien. With their experience and knowledge, the coaching staff looks primed to foster an environment of growth and achievement for the players.

Looking Ahead

Wilkie has made it clear that his focus will be on continuing the program’s upward trajectory. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, relentless effort, and a team-first mentality in order to build upon the team’s recent successes. The program has made significant progress over the last two seasons, shifting from a rebuilding phase to being serious contenders in their league. This evolution is rooted not just in wins and losses, but in the dedication and spirit of the players.

Other Coaching Changes in the Area

Coon Rapids, stepping in for Nick Rusin, who held the position since 2019. The Coon Rapids team faced a challenging previous season, finishing up 0-9. Vasquez brings a dedicated teaching background in special education and previous coaching experience at Andover to his new role, making it an exciting addition to the changing landscape.

Adding to the shuffle, Ryan Stockhaus, who led Osseo since 2016, has decided to step away from coaching altogether. His priority now is pursuing an education administrative license and spending more quality time with his family. Under his tenure, Osseo wrapped up the last season with a record of 2-7.

Building the Future

As these coaching transitions unfold, something exciting is brewing in the community surrounding Holy Family High School. The excitement for the upcoming football season is palpable and eager fans are anticipating what Connor Wilkie and his team will bring to the field. With all the pieces coming together, this could be a thrilling year for football at Holy Family, and in the surrounding schools too.

As the community comes together in support of its teams, one thing is clear: the future looks bright for Holy Family and its football program. Be sure to keep an eye on the Fire as they gear up for an action-packed season!

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