Football: Malec Takes Reins at Andrew

Andrew’s new football coach is an old hand in the Thunderbolts’ program.

Jim Malec has coached football for 17 years at Andrew, the last five on the varsity level. He was named the T-Bolts’ new varsity football coach at a meeting of the District 230 school board on Thursday night.

"I am both grateful and excited to lead this program into the future," Malec said. "I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work in the Andrew community for the last 17 years. The Andrew community is made up of great kids and great families."

Malec replaces friend and colleague Jim Zimmer. Zimmer stepped down following a 4-5 season in order to devote more time to his family. The T-Bolts won two of their last three games, including a 34-14 victory over Lincoln-Way North in the regular-season finale on Oct. 22.

One of Malec’s first jobs will be to replace five of the standouts from that Andrew team who recently announced plans to continue their football playing careers in college. The list includes Tony Durkin (Illinois, center), Chris O’Connor (Illinois, defensive line), Greg Rinaldi (UW-Platteville, safety), Nick DeBenedetti (St. Xavier, wide receiver) and Kevin O’Neill (UW-Whitewater, quarterback).

"My goal is to continue to put a team on the field that our students, staff and families can be proud of," Malec said.

“Jim (Malec) has a great work ethic and passion for the student-athletes that he is involved in,” Andrew athletic director Rich Piatchek said in a news release. “Jim truly is a student-oriented educator who believes that every person has strengths.

“His background and upbringing is one of a tireless worker who is interested in the pursuit of excellence. Jim is first and foremost a T-Bolt and has great pride in our students, school and community.”

Malec’s work as a guidance counselor at Andrew has put him in contact with many college coaches during the recruitment process of T-Bolt players over the years.

“(Jim) has earned the respect of staff and team members,” Andrew principal Robert Nolting said in a news release. “He is focused on assuring the team is successful on the field and maintains the high character that has been the hallmark of the team for years.”