Chicago Bears Choose LTHS Coach As High School Coach Of The Year

LOCKPORT, IL — Lockport Township High School head football coach George Czart has been named the Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Year, the Chicago Bears announced Tuesday.

Czart is also the Bears' nominee for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award. The Bears will make a $2,000 donation to the LTHS football program in Czart's honor, according to the organization.

"Being recognized as Coach of the Year and as a Don Shula nominee is an honor that I have to share with and give thanks to many people," Czart said in a release. "We, here at LTHS, have truly succeeded together to accomplish a great feat that the whole community can be proud of. I humbly accept the award on behalf of the community, administration, alumni, parents, staff, coaches and most of all the players that made it happen. Thank you to the Chicago Bears organization for recognizing that we, the Porter Nation, succeeded together."

The Coach of the Year award is also presented by Athletico Physical Therapy.

Czart began coaching at Lockport in 2019, after serving as the assistant coach at Lincoln-Way West High School and head coach at Lincoln-Way North High School, according to a release. Czart was also previously the defensive coordinator for Lockport from 1994-2006, during which time the Porters won two state championships in 2002 and 2003.

"He's always told us to take responsibility for our own actions," Lockport wide receiver Keegan Roberson said in a release. "Also, it's something where he will yell at you, but it will be to open up a teaching opportunity. He's definitely experienced a lot and I think he's a great coach."

"He's really done a good job of bringing a winning culture and team concept here," Lockport running back Andrew LoPresti said in a release. "But he also makes it fun and competitive, where we can show up and enjoy it. He's just something special."

The Porters won the Class 8A state championship in November, and had a 13-1 record overall.

Before Czart's arrival, Lockport finished the 2018 season with an 0-9 record, and had only one winning season since 2012, according to a news release.

The Bears recognized a Coach of the Week and High School All-Star each week during the high school football season, the organization said. Coach of the Week and Coach of the Year winners are invited to watch practice at Halas Hall on Saturday, and will be honored during halftime at Monday's game, along with High School All-Star winners and IHSA state champions.