It was announced today that Mark Goldenberg, head football coach at Parkway Central High School, was named the U.S. Army/St. Louis Rams High School Coach of the Year.

Coach Goldenberg's team finished as Missouri Class 4 state runners up losing to Lee's Summit West 35-0 in the championship game. The Colts went 12-2 in 2007. 

"Developing a successful team is tough - a realization that the U.S. Army and Rams share with these coaches,” said Major C. Ray Thompson, Executive Officer for the U.S. Army’s  St. Louis Recruiting Battalion. “This partnership between the Army and Rams is instrumental in recognizing these coaches which display the same values that make a team not just strong, but Army Strong."

As a result of this award, Coach Goldenberg will receive a certificate signed by Rams Head Coach Scott Linehan and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, as well as a $4,000 donation to the Colts’ football program from the U.S. Army, the Rams Foundation and NFL Charities. The coaches will also be recognized by the Rams at the December 20 Rams’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As part of the Rams’ community outreach efforts in youth football, the team, along with the U.S. Army, STLtoday Prep Sports and the National Football Foundation, selects one high school head coach as the Coach of the Week winner.  The Coach of the Week Program continues throughout the entire high school season.  At season’s end, one coach will be selected as High School Coach of the Year.  The winner will receive an additional $4,000 donation to his school’s football program.

About the U.S. ARMY

In order to remain connected to the people it serves, the U.S. Army engages in a number of outreach initiatives and community activities. Through educational programs such as March 2 Success and the Army Educational Outreach Program, the Army helps to develop youth in schools. For more than 230 years, Americans have honorably served their country in the U.S. Army. With an all-volunteer force of more than 1 million, Soldiers - Active duty and Reserve - continue to be the centerpiece of America's Army. To find out more about the U.S. Army, visit www.army.mil. For information on joining the Army, visit www.goarmy.com.

About the St. Louis Rams Youth Football Initiatives

The Rams have joined with the NFL to identify opportunities to enhance, promote and recognize positive aspects of football at every level.  The team, along with the Tom Lombardo chapter of the National Football Foundation, has led the way in creating an Amateur Football Council, designed to support organizations committed to amateur football and to promote youth development, sportsmanship and academic excellence through youth football.  As part of these efforts, the Rams host two training seminars: the Scott Linehan High School Coaching Clinic and the St. Louis Rams/USA Football Youth Coaching School. In addition to the Coach of the Week program, efforts include providing free tackle football camps to area middle school athletes through the Rams Junior Player Development Program and partnering with PHL, Inc. to refurbish and maintain St. Louis Public School athletic fields.

2007 Coach of the Week Winners:

Week 1 – Nick Gianino, Fox High School

Week 2 – Larry Frost, Kirkwood High School

Week 3 – Farrell Shelton, Eureka High School

Week 4 – Matt Martin, Granite City High School

Week 5 – Darren Sunkett, East St. Louis High School

Week 6 – Ray Kauling, Mater Dei Catholic High School

Week 7 – Matt Irvin, MICDS

Week 8 – Doug Newton, Pattonville High School

Week 9 – Mark Goldenberg, Parkway Central High School

Week 10 – Scott Horner, Columbia (IL) High School