Crete-Monee High School stayed in house and recently named John Konecki its new football coach and director of football operations.
Konecki succeeds Jerry Verde, who resigned on Dec. 20 to become Marian Catholic's football coach.
The Warriors were 2012 Class 6A state champions, beating Cary-Grove for the title and finishing 14-0.
Konecki was the mastermind of the Warriors' explosive no-huddle offense which featured Ole Miss recruit and Times Offensive Player of the Year in wide receiver/defensive back Laquon Treadwell as well as wide receiver and Western Illinois recruit Lance Lenoir and quarterback Marcus Terrell.
Konecki, a Schererville resident, has been Crete's offensive coordinator since 2007.
He was announced Sunday at the team's banquet and said in a news release he would continue to put in the hard work that has made the Warriors a power.
"I cannot promise another (state) championship next year or in 2014 or 2015," Konecki said. "However, I can promise that my coaching staff and I will work tirelessly to keep us in the hunt for one."
Crete was a combined 30-2 on all three levels.
"We are not going to throw the script away and not write a new one," Konecki said. "We have a lot of talent returning and we have good coaches and Jerry certainly laid the foundation for success."
The Warriors return Times Defensive Player of the Year and linebacker Nyles Morgan, who has close to 20 offers; defensive lineman Chris Slayton, defensive back Omari Stringer as well as defensive lineman Rudy Antuna, running back DeShaun Smith and wide receiver/defensive back Ray Vallot.
District 201 superintendent John Rodgers said in that same news release Konecki was the man for the job.
“John Konecki has proved himself through the success of his offense, extensive coaching experience, and winning attitude,” Rodgers said. “We wish Coach Verde continued success and the best of luck in his future endeavors. We are very grateful for all he has done for our players and the program the past six years.”
Please check on nwi.com for more details and in Tuesday's print edition of The Times.
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