Foxborough, Mass. (November 9, 2011) - Chelmsford High School's Bruce Rich Sr. has been named the New England Patriots High School Football Coach of the Week in recognition of his team's 28-22 victory over Lowell High School on Saturday Nov. 5. After leading 14-0 at the half, Chelmsford held off a second half rally to come away with a win in the tightly contested conference game. The victory improves the Lions' to 8-1 and 3-0 in the Merrimack Valley Conference.
The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation will donate $1,000 to Chelmsford High School's football program in Rich's name in recognition of his Coach of the Week selection.
Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett, the team's executive director of community affairs, visited Coach Rich and his team on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at Chelmsford High School. The visit and check presentation will be featured on the team's weekly television magazine show, Patriots All Access, which airs at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11 on WBZ-TV in Boston and later on Patriots.com.
This season marks the 16th year in which the Patriots have joined the National Football League in conducting the High School Coach of the Week program, which recognizes outstanding high school coaches and promotes youth football throughout New England. Tippett oversees the program as part of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation's commitment to youth football initiatives.
"I enjoyed visiting with Coach Rich and his team after their emotional win this weekend," said Tippett on Tuesday. "His team played hard until the final whistle and I was impressed with the poise and focus they showed to close out the game. It is my pleasure to present Coach Rich and the Chelmsford High School football program with this award and donation."
At the conclusion of the season, one high school coach will be named the New England Patriots High School Coach of the Year and will receive an additional $2,000 contribution toward the school's football program.
In previous years, Tippett has invited the Coach of the Week and senior captains for a visit to Gillette Stadium, but decided to take the award on the road in 2011 so he could visit the schools that benefit from the program. This year is also the first year the Patriots will accept nominations for High School Coach of the Week. Anyone who knows a high school football coach in New England who has a great week or reaches a personal career milestone is encouraged to submit a nomination at nominatecoach@patriots.com.
The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation is the non-profit through which the Patriots support charitable and philanthropic organizations throughout New England. This support comes in the form of direct grants, in-kind donations and player appearances. The foundation assists a variety of charitable organizations and programs throughout New England by supporting their educational, family and health initiatives. For more information, visit www.patriots.com/community.
