In a recent press conference, principal Faustin Weber introduced athletic director Paul Knapstein as interim head football coach, and Philip Rivers, current quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts, as the future head coach for St. Michael, effective the end of his playing career.
Rivers played high school football at Athens High School, coached by his father Steve Rivers, an A.H.S.A.A. Hall of Fame coach. He played college ball at NC State, starting all 51 games of his college career, and besting almost every school and ACC passing record in the process. He was chosen as the 4th pick in the 2004 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers, became the starter in the 2006 season and has started every game since, a current NFL best 224 consecutive games. He currently ranks 6th all time for NFL quarterbacks in passing yards and touchdown passes.
“It’s a special day for me and for my family,” said an emotional Rivers, in his opening remarks. “I’ve had two childhood dreams—one was to play in the NFL, and I’ve been doing that going on my 17th year. The other was to be a high school football coach. How blessed am I to live both of these out?”
Weber, too, was filled with gratitude: “I mean, what can I possibly say?” he said, smiling. “We got to know Philip, his wife, Tiffany and their eight (now nine) children three years ago through a personal friendship with a St. Michael family , and he’s done clinics for us over a few summers and even attended a few sporting events because of that friendship. "
“Aside from his extraordinary football career,” Weber continued, “ what has me most excited is that he grew up the son of a high school coach, so he’s lived in this world, loves this life, and really wants to form young men to be good fathers, husbands, and people of faith. He is devoutly Catholic, and lives out his faith with an infectious enthusiasm and authenticity that I believe will have enormous influence on our student athletes and in the culture of our school. We look forward to the day that he, Tiffany and the whole Rivers clan will join us, whenever his career comes to an end. "
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