The Arizona Cardinals Football Club and U.S. Army have named Gilbert's Jesse Parker as the Cards "High School Coach-of-the-Week."
The Cards and U.S. Army "Coach-of-the-Week" award is selected by a local sports panel consisting of Cardinals Director of Community Relations Luis Zendejas, Community Relations Coordinator Sheldon Meeks, Sports 620 AM anchor Paul Calvisi, NBC-12 sports reporter Bruce Cooper, 16-year Arizona high school football official Bob Ferreira, Cardinals radio analyst and Sports 620 AM talk show host Ron Wolfley, AIA Director of Media Marketing Brian Bolitho, former Arizona high school coach Emil Nasser, 1060 AM radio host Dan Manucci, and U.S. Army representative Sergeant James Minter.
With the 21-0 victory over rival Highland High School, Parker earned his 309th career victory becoming the state's all-time career leader in wins. He passed former coach Karl Kiefer who had accumulated 308 victories during his coaching career.
The award will be presented to Parker and the Gilbert High School football team on Thursday, October 30 at 10:30 a.m. at the school (1101 E. Elliot Road, Gilbert). The Tigers visit Chandler High School on Friday night at 7 p.m.
The Cardinals 14-year "Coach-of-the-Week" program presents a selected high school coach with a certificate signed by Cardinals President William V. Bidwill and Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt. Cardinals Charities provides t-shirts for team members and awards the school $2,000 to support its football program.
A Cardinals player or alumnus, team mascot Big Red, and Community Relations Coordinator Sheldon Meeks will present the award.
2008 Winners
Week 1: Charlie Ragle, Chaparral H.S.
Week 2: Richard Taylor, Centennial H.S.
Week 3: Dennis Bene, Salpointe Catholic H.S.
Week 4: Jon Becktold, Phoenix Washington H.S.
Week 5: John Sanders, Saguaro H.S.
Week 6: Derek Wahlstrom, Northwest Christian H.S.
Week 7: Gary Venturo, Corona Del Sol H.S.
Week 8: Jesse Parker, Gilbert H.S.
