Normal West football coach Hess resigns after 15 seasons

Darren Hess
Darren Hess compiled a 96-56 record in 15 seasons as Normal West football coach. (WJBC file photo)

By WJBC Staff

NORMAL – The dean of Intercity football, Normal West head coach Darren Hess has resigned after 15 seasons leading the program.

Hess’ decision to resign means both Unit 5 football programs are without a head coaching heading into the holiday break as Wes Temples announced his resignation at Normal Community earlier this week.

“I am very proud of the culture that was developed here at West which emphasizes more than wins and losses,” Hess said. “Over the years we developed great young men of faith, high character and a brotherhood that will last longer than all the great games we have played.”

Hess compiled a 96-56 record and led West into the playoffs 12 times.

“His players not only learn the game of football, but also develop character, leadership and a sense of family,” Normal West Principal Dave Johnson said.

Normal West anticipates it will post for a new head coach in January.

“The high expectations Darren and his staff set for the players in the classroom, as well as on and off the field, have an impact on these young men beyond football,” Athletic Director Stan Lewis said.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…