Riverview High School Head Coach Jon Sprague, here accepting his award from Bucs Head Coach Jon Gruden, has tutored 18 All-American prep players
Over the course of his 23 years as the head coach at Riverview High School, Coach John Sprague has posted a record of 178 wins and 55 losses. In the NFL, a record like that would guarantee Coach Sprague a million-dollar contract. In high school, it guarantees him a new set of fresh-faced, ready-to-learn freshman every year.
On Wednesday, October 16, Coach Sprague was recognized by the NFL and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for his efforts, as he was selected the Buccaneers "Coach of the Week."
At a ceremony on the practice field at One Buccaneer Place on Wednesday, Coach Sprague was presented with a framed "Coach of the Week" certificate, signed by NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Buccaneers General Manager Rich McKay and Head Coach Jon Gruden, along with a "Coach of the Week" hat and a football autographed by Gruden.
"It's just really exciting," said Coach Sprague. "I haven't been here for years and it's just exciting to see this different level. The fact that Coach Gruden remembered me from when he coached at (the University of) Pittsburgh was nice. And obviously, when they're 5-1, you get to come see a great team and it's nice to bring some of our players over to see how they do things on this level."
During the course of his 23-years at Riverview, Coach Sprague has led his team to 12 district titles, coached 18 All-Americans and twice been named the Florida High School Athletic Association 6A Coach of the Year.
In addition to the certificate, hat and ball, Coach Sprague will also receive a $1,000 donation to his Rams football program.
If you know a coach that you feel is deserving of being the Buccaneers "Coach of the Week" please click here and submit his or her name, school, county and reason he or she should be selected.
Several factors are taken into account when selecting the Buccaneers Coach of the Week recipient, including the coach's impact on his team, school and community. The program is designed to recognize high school coaches who transform, through their hard work and dedication to young people, the best available athletes into high-potential football players.
All schools in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota are eligible regardless of size, league or division.
