Coach Meaney's Hawks improved their record to 8-0 with a 28-14 victory over previously unbeaten Thornton last Saturday. This win helped Bartlett set a single-season school record for victories. Bartlett will also be making its sixth straight playoff appearance under Meaney, who has never had a losing season since taking over the program in 2003.

At halftime of last Saturday's game, Meaney took time during the break to talk with a former player who was on leave from his tour of duty in Iraq, showing his dedication to not only current players, but also former players.

In honor of Meaney, $1,500 will be donated to Bartlett's football program. Meaney will be invited to the Bears-Jaguars game on Dec. 7 and will be recognized during an on-field ceremony that day. He will also receive a framed certificate and will have the opportunity to attend a Bears practice and "chalk-talk" with Bears head coach Lovie Smith and other 2008 "Coach of the Week" honorees.

The Chicago Bears "Coach of the Week" program entered its 13th season this year. The program honors outstanding Illinois high school coaches who develop players' football skills and knowledge, character, leadership, discipline, and teamwork abilities. Other criteria considered include unique coaching methodology, community or off-field components, school and community support, volunteerism, and, most importantly, contributions to players' long-term success on and off the field.

The program will run for nine weeks from September 1 through October 27. Coaches are nominated by a panel of local prep authorities, and the winning "Coach of the Week" is selected each week. The Chicago Bears will make a $1,500 contribution to the football program at each winning coach's school.

Since the program's inception, the Bears have donated over $160,000 to Illinois high schools in support of their football programs. For more information, log on to www.chicagobears.com/community or call the Chicago Bears Community Relations department at (847) 739-5308.

- From Staff Reports