Cody Hess becomes the fifth head coach in Mater Dei football history

EVANSVILLE — Cody Hess understands the challenge connected with the next step of his football coaching career. It’s also what excites him.

Hess was named the fifth head coach in Mater Dei High School history on Friday. He has familiarity with this program in a way few can relate. The 2012 graduate was a star running back for the Wildcats. He was also on the coaching staff for 12 seasons.

It’s now his turn to lead one of the more successful programs in Southwestern Indiana.

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“It means a lot to have that responsbility and opportunity to continue that rich tradition,” said Hess. “Not only on the football field but in the classroom and community. As a coaching staff, we’re going to stay pretty close together. We’re going to try and continue to do well on Friday nights to the best of our ability.”

Only four coaches have led Mater Dei since its first football season in 1949. The most recent was Mike Goebel, a Hall of Famer who retired in December after a 28-year run that finished with 270 victories — the most in SIAC history despite leading the smallest school in the conference — and two state championships, among many other accomplishments.

Cody Hess was named the next Mater Dei football coach

His successor should be a familiar name to those who follow Evansville high school football.

Goebel described Hess as “the heart and soul of our team” during his playing career. The running back finished as the program’s all-time leader in career rushing with 5,220 yards. He had 28 touchdowns and earned All-State in his final year as the Wildcats advanced to the Class 2A state championship game — Mater Dei lost to Fort Wayne Luers. Hess was also a member of the Class 2A baseball state runner-up team his senior year.

“Cody’s passion for football, leadership, and…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/cody-hess-becomes-fifth-head-200902011.html

Author : The Courier & Press

Publish date : 2025-02-14 20:09:00

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