John Schultz
School: Grandview Wolves, Class 5A Creek League
Record: 1-1 in 2011, career 61-24
Coaching resume: Assistant at Nederland (1992) and Overland (1993-99), defensive coordinator at Grandview (2000-03), head coach at Grandview since 2004
Life lines: Age 46. Born in Grand Rapids, Mich. Graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School in 1983 (as valedictorian) and from Michigan Tech in 1987 (degree in engineering). Teaches mathematics at Grandview.
Back in his day: Played defensive back at Catholic Central from 1979-82. Played safety at Michigan Tech (1983-86), where he was an academic All-American in 1986.
Last week: Facing reigning power Mullen Friday night, Schultz surprisingly received much more than he had anticipated.
“All I wanted to see was the effort level improve, especially on defense,” he said. “I didn’t think we were very physical.”
Two weekends earlier, in Zero Week, the Wolves were routed 45-17 by defending Class 4A champion Valor Christian. Grandview was idle in Week 1 — then hosted Mullen, the three-time defending 5A champion and owner of a 34-game winning streak.
No problem. The Wolves won 12-7.
“I’d say we did a lot better,” Schultz said.
Annually one of the state’s top defensive units, Grandview fell behind 7-0 but limited the Mustangs to 163 total yards. Eli Williams caught a touchdown pass from Jordan Schlehuber and added a safety in the second quarter. Williams converted a field goal in the third quarter. The Wolves picked off Mustangs quarterback Cyler Miles twice.
“When we tied it at 7-7, it was almost two years that we scored on Mullen in a meaningful situation,” Schultz said.
Consider the Wolves, state champions in 2007 and semifinalists in 2010, back in the title mix. They take on Class 5A seventh- ranked Bear Creek on Saturday.
“In this case, we were able to regroup and heal up,” Schultz said. “Our focus is back where it should be.”
About the award: The Denver Broncos high school coach of the week award, in its 17th year, will have 10 honorees during the regular season. The NFL Youth Fund will present a check for $1,000 to the winning school’s program. Schultz joins Denver East’s Ron McFarland, the first winner in 2011. A coach of the year will be announced at the Broncos’ Jan. 1 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High and receive $2,000. Coaches are selected by a panel consisting of Neil H. Devlin, The Denver Post; Billy Thompson, the Broncos; and Andy Lindahl, KOA 850 AM.
