Coach led Chiefs to a state title, 52-straight RVC wins
By Dan Truttschel
Sports Correspondent
The highly successful Rodney Wedig football era at Big Foot High School has come to an end.
After a couple weeks of rumors that he may be taking on a new challenge, it was confirmed Wednesday morning that the long-time varsity football coach is headed to Beloit Memorial.
Big Foot Athletic Director Tim Collins said Wednesday that Wedig has accepted an offer of head football coach and social studies teacher at Memorial beginning next fall.
The Beloit Daily News is reporting on its website that Wedig’s hiring is scheduled to be officially considered by the School District of Beloit Board of Education on Tuesday.
Through his Facebook page Tuesday night, Wedig announced that he is leaving the school where he led the Chiefs to a state title and two runner-up finishes in his 11 years with the program.
“The past 11 years have been more rewarding and remarkable than I had ever dreamed,” he wrote. “There is nothing that will ever top it. But I always am looking for the next big challenge. Can’t wait to try to build a program at Beloit Memorial while never forgetting the great young men I have worked with at Big Foot.”
Wedig did not immediately respond to messages earlier this week seeking comment.
Collins said Wedig’s impact at Big Foot has been huge.
“Coach Wedig has put Big Foot High School on the map with his success over the years with football,” he said. “He has helped to elevate not only his sport, but all sports at Big Foot. His success has set the bar for all to attempt to attain throughout the Rock Valley Conference.”
Under Wedig’s guidance, the Chiefs captured the last seven Rock Valley Conference titles and ended 2013 on a 52-game win streak in conference play. The Chiefs finished Wedig’s last season with the school at 11-1 and a trip to the third round of the Division 4 playoffs.
He won his 100th game at the school during the 2013 campaign.
“In addition to losing an outstanding football coach, we are also losing an excellent teacher who makes great connections with all students, not just athletes,” Collins said.
“I wish him the best of luck at his next stop and completely understand and respect his decision. He will be sorely missed.”
A search for his replacement will begin in January, Collins added.
At Memorial, Wedig will have himself a full-scale rebuilding project on his hands. The last winning season for the Purple Knights came in 1999, and since then, the program has had four varsity head coaches.
Memorial finished 1-8 in 2013.
See next week’s edition of the Walworth/Fontana/Williams Bay Times for more coverage of Wedig’s pending departure.
