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Al Minnaert, Edgewood

03/24/2018, 4:00pm CDT
By WFCA

Al was born on November 26, 1959 to Dean and Marlene Minnaert of Annawan, Illinois. He graduated from Annawan High School in 1977 where he played football, basketball, and track. He graduated from St Ambrose College in Davenport, Ia. where he played football and baseball earning 4 letters in each sport.

Upon graduating from St Ambrose he began his teaching and coaching career at Annawan HS in 1981. He became Head Football Coach in 1982 taking the Braves to the playoffs. He became the first person in Illinois to both play and coach in the IHSAA football playoffs. Al moved to Wisconsin in 1984 to teach and coach at Holy Name Seminary. In his 8 years at Holy Name, Al served as head coach in football (7 years), baseball, and track. He also served as Athletic Director for 6 years. In his 7 years as Head Football Coach the Hilanders had 5 playoff berths and won 1 WISAA State Championship and 2 WISAA State Runner ups.  

In 1992 Al made the move across town to Edgewood HS of the Sacred Heart. He has been head coach for the past 26 years. Edgewood earned 21 playoff berths during that time. Edgewood won a State Runner Up trophy in the WISAA Division 2 in 1997. Al was named All City Coach of the Year 6 times.

Al has been very active with the WFCA serving on the Football Advisory Board as Private School Rep for over 20 years and serving as interim South Vice President in 2015-16. He was the Division 1-3 South All Star Head Coach in 2010 and served as an Assistant Coach in 2013.  

More than 25 former Edgewood football players have returned to help coach football at Edgewood and several others have gone on to coach college football.

Another highlight in Al’s coaching career was taking a trip with his wife Sylvia to Italy with American Football Worldwide and helping coach a team from the USA to play vs the Italian National Team in April 2017. 

Al married Sylvia Herrera from Costa Rica on December 21, 1984. They have been blessed with 3 children, Sophia, Alex, and Mario who all played significant roles in the Edgewood Football program. Sophia helped with youth football camps, water girl at games, filming and editing highlight videos. Alex and Mario earned All City, All Conference, and All State recognition while playing in several playoff games for the Crusaders.

Al’s football career highlights include working UW football camps for over 25 years, establishing friendships with other coaches and players across the country and working with Sophia hosting the WIAA State Football Championships.

“I have truly been blessed to have so many great assistant coaches and players that have helped to make my career so enjoyable. I am also grateful for the relationships formed with fellow, coaches, players, officials and event staff over my career.” 

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