MASON CITY – U.S. Cellular has announced that the top 50 nominees for the company’s Most Valuable Coach program have been posted on TheMostValuableCoach.com.
Mason City’s Matt Berkley is among the top 50 after hundreds of nominations were submitted. Now, the public can vote on who will make the final 15. At the end of the program, two coaches will be recognized on the field at the Jan. 1 Under Armour High School All-America Game and receive $5,000 each for their school.
“Coach Berkley teaches the players about sportsmanship and life lessons. He has kids read to the elementary school kids. He has kids go out in the community and help people in need” is how nominators described Berkley. “He also had his team help with collecting food for our local food bank for people who are less fortunate. He has gone to several kid’s doors to make sure kids are OK after an injury and has helped kids get through tough times in their lives.”
U.S. Cellular’s Most Valuable Coach program honors high school football head coaches who have a positive impact on their players, students and local communities. The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite coach among the top 50 nominees between now and noon on Oct.17 at TheMostValuableCoach.com.
There are eight Iowa coaches among the top 50. Berkley is joined by Bryan Case of South Central Calhoun, Mike Dunlap of Emmetsburg, Joe Hadachek of Union, Pella Christian’s Rich Kacmarynski, Marion’s Tim Lovell, Steve Milder of West Central and Doug Winkowitsch of West Delaware.
Following this first round of voting, the 15 coaches who earn the most votes will advance to the final round and receive $1,000 from U.S. Cellular for their school to use however they choose. The company also will host a celebratory event to honor each coach and create a short video detailing the coach’s story.
“We heard several inspiring stories and are excited to be one step closer to identifying and honoring these inspirational leaders in our communities,” said Mike Adams, U.S. Cellular’s director of sales for Iowa and Nebraska. “All of the top 50 nominees are worthy of being recognized for their contributions to their team, school and community, and we encourage everyone to vote for their favorite coach.”
The two winning coaches will be determined by a second vote from Oct. 20 to Nov. 18 and will be announced as a U.S. Cellular Most Valuable Coach on Nov. 21. The winning coaches and their guests will receive a trip to Orlando, Florida, and be recognized live on the Citrus Bowl’s field during the nationally-televised Under Armour High School All-America Game on ESPN.
For more information, to vote on the top 50 coaches and to view the official program rules, visit TheMostValuableCoach.com.
There is absolutely NO WAY that this man is a top 50 coach. If he was so great, why do his players hate him? And why are boys quitting football. He is ruining a program that was already struggling. Would love MCHS to get the cash reward, but it is not worth sending this jerk on more of an ego trip than he is already on.
This more about the football program possible receiving $5,000 than the actually being named coach of the year. $5,000.00 will go a long way in helping the program financially. I think every class at MCHS should required to vote for him.
I know Coach Berkley as a person and have watched him at some practices and during games and I don’t see anything different from the many coaches I have been around in my life time. He has stepped up to take over a program that has struggled to compete with the larger Des Moines schools with very limited numbers of boys actually going out for football. He even had to go out and recruit additional freshman and sophomores just so that they would have team. He is in year 2 of his program and the team has won 3 games this year with future schedules not matching us up against the larger Des Moines schools..
The previous superintendent did not do much to help any of the athletic programs, in fact tried to cut our Athletic Director and also, a bunch of assistant coaches. What coach from outside of Mason City would want to come and start a new program with that type of support?
A successful football program is about more than the number wins, its about creating community pride, kids participating, and kids involved in the community. I believe Coach Berkley is in this for more than just wins.
Why do people in the public not understand this stuff?? This is such a “rig” job….bunch of political B.S.!!
Worst hiring decision next to Anita. He is horrible Rude Arrogant and he and his coaches relish in demeaning the kids. But hey i guess that isnt bully behavior if you have coach in your name. He and those coaches are no different than Anita and her Administration staff that bullied the whole district.
Isn’t about time to drop to 3A so our kids are at least competitive and have a chance through good play and discipline? Long over due. We teach them nothing when we hand them up for slaughter every week. No wonder numbers are down.
It doesn’t work like that. Goes by enrollment.
My son doesn’t even wanna play next year cause he’s a jerk
Heard he made all of his classes vote for him in class-hmmmm
Just asked my kid, who has him as a teacher, and he confirmed what you heard.
What was the criteria in this nomination???? Top 50 in country?? You’ve got to be kidding me!!
You have to be kidding me… He may have some W in the W column but he pits his favorites against his not favorites. HE does not build a team. Lowest turn out ever for players.