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http://www.pioneerlocal.com/clarendonhills/sports/highschools/1117823,ch-dimatteo-082808-s1.article
Coaching Central football is DiMatteo's dream job August 28, 2008 By BILL STONE Mike DiMatteo was helping to establish the football program at Lake Zurich as its varsity head coach when he left in the spring of 2006. He decided to accept the job to become varsity head football coach at Hinsdale Central. "As I said when took the job at Hinsdale Central, it's got a great reputation academically and athletically," DiMatteo said. "All of the years I had been scouting, it was a place where I wanted to end up. I had a great situation at Lake Zurich, but when Hinsdale Central calls, you don't turn them down." The situation has been even better for DiMatteo than he imagined. Lake Zurich won the Class 7A state title in 2007 by edging Wheaton Warrenville South 7-3, but with Hinsdale Central, DiMatteo has continued the streak of playoff berths every season since 2001. In his first two seasons, the Red Devils have won first-round playoff games against higher-seeded opponents. DiMatteo, 49-34 in eight seasons as a head coach, previously coached at West Suburban Conference schools Morton and Leyden and at St. Patrick and Grayslake, where he was offensive coordinator just before moving to Lake Zurich. He believes one key to the Red Devils' consistency is a great coaching staff for all levels committed to a common goal. "The staff we've got is outstanding from top to bottom. It's pretty clear to me why Hinsdale Central was on the map for a long time, because of those guys," DiMatteo said. "They've very, very good guys, and more than anything they're dedicated to the game and the players. They're true professionals. They're willingness to work and support what I was trying to do is a great bonus." DiMatteo said the people on and off the field also have made the switch a smooth one. "Whenever you take over a program, whether it's Lake Zurich or Hinsdale Central, there's always an adjustment period. That's part of coaching," DiMatteo said. "We've got great parent support. Also the intelligence of the football players is great. They love the game and the community has a great passion for the game. And we have massive support from our booster club. It's much more than you could ask for." © Copyright 2008 Digital Chicago, Inc. |
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