Long Wait Over for Andrew Football Coach Malec

He’s been a football coach at Andrew for 18 years.

As a guidance counselor, he knows the ins and outs of the school.

While starting a new year at school might be old hat to him, this year has an all-new feeling for Jim Malec.

Malec is taking the reins as coach of the Andrew varsity football team.  Only the third head coach at Andrew since 1986, so far, the transition for Malec from assistant coach to head coach has been interesting, but a relatively smooth process, thanks to the staff in place.

“I was really fortunate having the guys who are on the staff," Malec said. "Everyone has been around the program, and they know the game. They’re good coaches, and I have all the faith in the world in them."

Malec succeeds Jim Zimmer, who stepped down to spend more time with his family, though is still with the program at the sophomore level. Now Malec--who worked his way up the program ladder, starting as freshman 'B' coach and later moving up to varsity assistant--is feeling the difference of leading a program.

“It’s easy when you’re the assistant coach checking stuff out, but being the guy who makes the final decision has been the biggest transition,” he said. “I’ve come to the realization that everyone comes to you if they have a question about the program or organizing along the way.”

After finishing at 4-5 last year, the T-Bolts are excited to start the season with their new coach. Quarterback Tyler Hook and running back/linebacker Jarvis Franklin both enjoy the energy Malec brings to the field.

“Coach Malec is high-tempo," Hook said. "He can be laid back, but he likes to get after it in practice."

“I like Coach Malec,” Franklin said. “He’s very enthusiastic, shows a lot of emotion, and I think he’ll do well in his first year coaching.”

A prep football player at nearby Reavis High School in the 1980s, Malec reciprocated the endearment from his players.

“We really like our kids," he said. "They are good, hard workers, and they’ve got some personality. They’re lively and have been great to work with. Hopefully that equates to some success this year. Like everyone else, we have to fight and claw our way to some wins."

Malec hopes the T-Bolts can stay healthy and limit the mental mistakes that hurt them last year. Although inexperienced on the offensive and defensive lines, they bring back depth at the skill positions and at the linebacker slots.

Andrew opens on Friday, Aug. 26, at Sandburg. Last year, the Eagles beat the T-Bolts 23-16.