9. Dick Tighe (St. Edmond HS, Fort Dodge, Iowa) 382-150-8 (5-4)The 80-year-old is Iowa's career win leader and starts his 58th season on the sideline. He had great success at Webster City where he went 220-72-1 but gained even greater fame taking over a struggling St. Edmond program and led it to an 11-1 record and state quarterfinals in 2005. He told the Daily Freeman-Journal: "I'm doing it now for the fun of it and because I still enjoy being around the younger people. I'm independent now. My kids are all grown up and I'm retired (from teaching), so if things don't go well and they get tired of me, well, it's not the end of the world."
2011: St. Edmond returns 12 starters including its quarterback and top running back, lineman and defender. Top players include running back Neil Flattery, tight end Patrick Champa and tackle Ryan Rodenborn.
10. John Herrington (Harrison HS, Farmington Hills, Mich.) 376-87-1 (14-0)
John Herrington has a Top 25 teamthis season.
Photo by Chris Fleck
A lifer, Herrington is getting better with age after leading the Hawks to a state-record 13th state title. A member of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, Herrington is the only coach Harrison has ever had. He's coached there 41 seasons. He was named one of the Detroit News' 2011 Michiganians of the Year. "It keeps me young," he told reporters about coaching in six decades. "I truly enjoy it."
2011: With 15 starters back, the Hawks have a good shot at repeating as state champions. Among them are a pair of University of Michigan recruits, defensive end Marion Ojemudia and tight end Devin Funchess, along with fleet cornerback Aaron Burbridge.
Harrison is ranked No. 16 in the preseason Xcellent 25.
