![Joe Walters is being recommended by Bloomington High School's principal and athletic director to become the school's next head football coach. (Photo courtesy Peoria Notre Dame)](https://www.wjbc.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/389/2016/02/JoeWaltersPeoriaNotreDame.jpg)
By Joe Ragusa
BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington High School principal Tim Moore and athletic director Tony Bauman are recommending Peoria Notre Dame head football coach Joe Walters to become the new football coach for the Purple Raiders next season.
Walters reached the postseason with Peoria Notre Dame five of the last six seasons. If approved by the District 87 school board, he will replace Rigo Schmelzer, who retired this past seasons after 23 years at the school.
Schmelzer retired as the longest-serving head football coach in BHS history. He compiled a record of 188-67 and finished in second place in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
The recommendation will be presented to the school board Feb. 24.
Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].