Hefner resigns as Lincoln-Way Central football coach
By Pat Disabato pdisabato@southtownstar.com November 20, 2012 5:16PM
Former Lincoln-Way Central coach Brett Hefner. | File photo
Updated: December 22, 2012 6:26AM
Brett Hefner, who compiled a 7-20 mark in three seasons as Lincoln-Way Central’s football coach, resigned Friday.
“It’s in the best interests of me and my family to resign at this time,” said Hefner, a married father of a 10-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter. “The dedication and work ethic of the kids has been phenomenal. I enjoyed my time. The relationships I’ve formed is what I will treasure the most.”
Hefner inherited a Knights program that, while coming off a 6-4 season in 2009, had low participation numbers at all levels.
After seasons of 1-8 and 2-7, the Knights appeared to turn the corner this season, finishing 4-5.
However, two gut-wrenching, last-minute losses to Homewood-Flossmoor (21-17) and Sandburg (7-3) in consecutive weeks prevented Central from qualifying for the playoffs — something Lincoln-Ways East, North and West accomplished. East is playing for the Class 7A state championship Saturday against Glenbard West.
“Brett took over the program at a difficult time and did a lot of good things,” Central athletic director Hud Venerable said. “I think we’re all disappointed in this year, that we came up a little short in what we thought we could do with this group. I thanked Brett for all he did and everything he gave us.”
Central now is searching for its fourth coach in the past seven seasons.
“The high turnover isn’t desirable,” Venerable said. “It doesn’t allow you to build a program. We would prefer to hire someone that will be here for a long time.”
Anyone interested in applying for the coaching vacancy can visit www.lw210.org.
