Bend’s Walker a finalist for NFL high school coach award

Published 4:00 am Saturday, January 23, 2010

Longtime Bend High football coach Craig Walker has been named a finalist for the 2009 NFL High School Football Coach of the Year Award.

Nominated by ex-Lava Bear Ryan Longwell, who is now a kicker for the Minnesota Vikings, Walker will receive a $2,500 cash award for being one of the award’s five finalists, and the Bend High football program will be awarded a $5,000 grant.

“I’m not one to usually be stumped about what to say, but when I got off the phone, all I could say was, ‘Unbelievable,’” said Walker. “It’s just amazing. I’m proud not just for myself but for what we’ve accomplished in our program over the years.”

In his nomination essay, Longwell, a 13-year veteran of the National Football League who is one of the league’s top 20 all-time leaders in field-goal percentage and points, praised Walker for “helping me develop my mental edge.”

“More than anything, I hope this speaks to the type of relationships we build with our players,” Walker said.

The winner of the NFL High School Football Coach of the Year Award, which will be announced next week, will receive a $5,000 cash award for himself and a $10,000 grant for his football program. Additionally, the award winner will be a guest of the NFL at this year’s Super Bowl in Miami.

— Bulletin staff report