Foxborough, Mass. –As communities collided to demonstrate exactly what can come from hard work, dedication and collaboration, head coach Dana Olson led the Millis-Hopedale Mohawks to the co-operative program's first-ever state title last weekend, subsequently receiving the honor of being named the 2016 New England Patriots High School Coach of the Year.
The Mohawks were crowned MIAA Div. 4A Super Bowl Champions Saturday afternoon after taking down Maynard High School, 30-18 at Worcester State University. Comprised of students from Millis and Hopedale High Schools, the co-op commenced in the fall of 2009 and the squad has qualified for the MIAA Tournament every year since 2011. Now in his third season as head coach, Olson, assisted by his twin brother, Dale, has also led Millis-Hopedale to three consecutive Tri-Valley League Small titles.
Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett, now the team's executive director of community affairs, visited the Millis-Hopedale players and coaching staff Tuesday afternoon to present the Mohawks football program with a $2,000 donation on behalf of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, in honor of Coach Olson. The visit and check presentation will be featured on the Patriots weekly television show, "Patriots All Access," which airs on Friday night at 7 p.m. on WBZ-TV in Boston and will be available immediately after on Patriots.com.
This is the 21st year in which the Patriots join the National Football League in honoring local schools and coaches in the High School Coach of the Week program, which recognizes outstanding performances and promotes a strong foundation for youth football across New England. The 2016 season marks the sixth year Tippett has taken the award on the road to visit the schools that are honored each week as part of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation's commitment to youth football initiatives.
"The Millis-Hopedale football team showcased outstanding teamwork throughout the course of this season, ending in a well-deserved Super Bowl Championship," Tippett said. "We are thrilled to honor Coach Olson and the Mohawks for a remarkable year of success."
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.
