Vikings Coach of the Week

Coach Stewart has been coaching and teaching at Spring Lake Park since 2003. In 2018 he was named head coach. Since then the Panthers have a 49 - 24 record, winning section titles in 2018 & 2019. Football at Spring Lake Park is about more than winning, we strive to the Champions in ALL we do. As students, athletes, and citizens we work to bring HONOR to the PROGRAM, SCHOOL, and COMMUNITY. Coaching football at Spring Lake Park is special, with over half of our coaching staff being alumni the sense of pride and tradition is strong. Coach Stewart has a wife, Sheri, and 3 children, Max, Ryann and Adam. The 2025 Panthers are currently 6-0 after defeating Robbinsdale Cooper 41-12.

Paul Dunn is the Head Coach of the 5-0 Albert Lea Tigers of Class 3A. After going 3-36 in his first five seasons, the Tigers are 5-0 for the first time since 1989.

Coach Luke Mitchell is the Head Coach of the 4-0 Holdingford Huskers. The Huskers are 4-0 after defeating Osakis 40-14 on Saturday. Coach Mitchell is in his 14th season with a career record of 80-55 including a state title in 2014 and teaches 3rd grade in the district. He has a wife, Lisa, and three daughters, Madison, Carly, Olivia.

Coach Austin Hackett head coach of the 3-0 Mille Lacs Raiders. The Raiders cruised in their first two games beating Bigfork 54-6 and McGregor 36-6, then defeated previously undefeated and ranked #4 Cromwell-Wright Area 26-20. Hackett was awarded Sub District 7A Coach of the Year honors in 2024 after leading his team to a 6-2 regular season and trip to the section 7A finals. Coach Hackett took over the Mille Lacs Raiders football program in the fall of 2023. The Mille Lacs Raiders came into existence in 2021 when Onamia and Isle High School Co-Opted the sport. The first two seasons their record was 1-17. Coach Hackett became the head coach in 2023 and led the team to a 6-4 season with a second round playoff loss. In 2024 the Raiders finished the season with a 8-3 record, losing in the final minute of the section championship game. Going into his third year of coaching the Mille Lacs Raiders football team Coach Hackett thanks his players for all of the hard work they have done and continue to do this season.

Coach Betton is a Dynamic and results-driven head coach with 20 years of experience revitalizing struggling football programs into state contenders. Proven track record of turning around three long-standing losing programs (Simley, Academy of Holy Angels, and Shakopee) by cultivating a championship culture rooted in discipline, development, and leadership.

Passionate about empowering student-athletes both on and off the field, fostering academic success, character growth, and lifelong skills for success. Committed to building inclusive, trusting environments that inspire students to reach their full potential while strengthening school and community connections.

Joe McPherson enters his seventh season as Orono's Head Football Coach in 2025. He has been coaching in the Orono district for the past 15 years, contributing to both the wrestling and football programs. Coach McPherson's purpose is to develop and motivate student-athletes to achieve their athletic and life goals through hard work, commitment, integrity, and follow-through. He prioritizes the development of students above all else. While highly competitive, his philosophy does not center on winning at all costs. Instead, he emphasizes living and coaching with integrity to show athletes that success can be achieved the right way. Each season, Coach McPherson communicates his expectations and philosophy to students and parents. He meets with athletes individually to set personal goals, checks in throughout the year on their progress, and maintains regular communication with families to ensure alignment and support.