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Community Corner

GUERIN PREP NAMES GLEN KOZLOWSKI (Coach Koz) HEAD COACH OF FOOTBALL PROGRAM

Glen Kozlowski, former Brigham Young University All-American wide receiver (1984), member of the Chicago Bears (1986–1992), and current co-host of “Sports Central” on Radio 720 WGN, has been named head coach of the Guerin College Preparatory High School (Guerin Prep) varsity football program. Guerin Prep (www.guerinprep.org), a Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school situated on a 23-acre campus in River Grove on Chicago’s Northwest side, serves approximately 450 students from Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

“We are extremely proud to have Coach Kozlowski join Guerin, bringing his invaluable experience not only as an NFL player but as someone who has a proven track record of rebuilding high school football programs,” said Steve Baldwin, President, Guerin College Preparatory High School. “We are confident that Coach Koz is the right person to build our team to the level of competitiveness where Guerin is winning titles.”

In addition to his position as head coach, Kozlowski will serve as the community engagement officer acting as an ambassador to the community on behalf of Guerin Prep.

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“Guerin’s commitment to strengthening their athletic programs impressed me as did their unwavering dedication to student excellence. My principles and values align with Guerin’s in that we both believe that athletics is just one element to developing our youth,” said Kozlowski. “This position gives me the opportunity to integrate things I love and am passionate about – coaching, and developing responsible, committed young people who are leaders on the field, in the classroom and in the community.”

“We’ve seen Glen’s talent as a coach, ability to inspire kids and implement change. We’ve had talented coaches in the past but nothing compared to Coach Kozlowski’s level, never a professional athlete. He provides more than an NFL background. He brings creativity and a desire to be in the classroom, out in the community and more. He wants to continue to raise the bar as much as administrators, staff and parentfs want to,” said Baldwin.

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Coach Tony Pecoraro, who stepped down as head coach of the football program, will remain actively involved in the transition and with the program. Pecoraro will work closely with Coach Kozlowski on growing the program and will be involved in football operations to support the coach as well as Athletic Director Phil Radke.

Kozlowski recently met with current members of the varsity football team to share his coaching and life philosophies and to answer questions from players. After the session, quarterback Tyler Flynn, a junior, said, “I think hiring Coach Koz is a step in the right direction. With a new coach comes a new opportunity for us to turn our program around.”  Addressing the upcoming season, Flynn stated, “With Coach Koz as our leader we will change what people think of us. Champions are made in the off-season and with a coach of his caliber and players who are committed to putting in the time and effort on the field that it takes to win other teams will remember that Guerin never gave up until that last whistle blew.”

At Brigham Young University (BYU), Glen Kozlowski was a standout wide receiver and part of BYU’s 1984 Championship Team. That same year he was named to the All-America Team. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1986, and playing under Coach Mike Ditka, he was a wide receiver and captain of the special teams from 1989 -1992.

Gator Junior High Night and Entrance Exam

Guerin Prep prospective students and parents can meet Coach Koz at Gator Junior High Night on Friday, January 10 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The evening provides 8th graders an opportunity to watch the Guerin Prep Gators basketball team take on Montini, enjoy complimentary pizza and ask any last minute questions about the school or the high school entrance exam for admission to Guerin Prep, which will be held the following morning. Coaches and athletes will be on-hand to meet and greet prospective students following the game. Prospective students should report to the Holy Cross Gymnasium, located at the southern end of the Guerin Prep campus, where they will be greeted by an ambassador of the school.

Guerin’s entrance exam will be held at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11. Prospective students should arrive at Guerin Prep (8001 W. Belmont Avenue, River Grove) at 7:45 a.m. for registration and are invited to stay for pizza following the exam. There will also be an informational session for parents at 8:00 a.m. Students who test at Guerin Prep may qualify for scholarships and financial aid.

Background

With a commitment to strong academics, the arts and athletics, Guerin Prep offers students the opportunity to explore their diverse interests and excel in many areas. The school boasts a 1:12 teacher-to-student ratio and a 100 percent college acceptance rate. Guerin Prep is structured to meet the individual strengths and needs of each student. The curriculum includes three rigorous academic programs of study (Sullivan College Preparatory Program, Providence College Preparatory Program and the advanced Nolan Scholar Program), as well as an advanced placement program for students. Additionally, Guerin Prep is a technology-centric high school. Each student is provided with a state-of-the-art laptop or tablet equipped with digital textbooks. Students participate in a four-year theology curriculum and can also choose from a variety of language, music and fine and performing arts programs. Guerin Prep offers a variety of interscholastic sports teams for both boys and girls, including: softball, basketball, track, hockey, cross country, and wrestling. The school also has an athletic center with a weight room, two full-sized gymnasiums, and a wrestling room. There are more than 30 academic, arts, leadership, and honor society clubs. Please visit www.guerinprep.org for more information.
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