One of Woodstock’s favorite sons will receive some well-deserved recognition in the very near future. Woodstock High School graduate and Harvard High School football and wrestling coach Tim Haak will be inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame March 31 in Champaign.
Haak, who was inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2001 and the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007, received the news from Harvard Principal Rob Zielinski after the Sciacca-Holfreter Wrestling Tournament in mid-December.
“It is certainly humbling,” Haak said. “You think of all the people who are involved in the program – all of our players, all of our assistant coaches, the people who take care of our field. Really, it’s a community and program award.
“There is so much that happens in football. You need so many good people, and I’ve been fortunate to have many good people around me.”
In 26 years as head coach of the Hornets, Haak is 160-100 with 15 playoff appearances and three quarterfinal appearances.
Haak said one of the keys to success is that everyone in the program has the same goal.
“They are all on the same page,” Haak said. “Our goal is always to do what is best for the kids. Everyone is pulling in the same direction.”
Some of Haak’s favorite moments include his first year coaching in 1985, the first year the Hornets won a playoff football game; their undefeated regular season team in 1988; and the back-to-back quarterfinal appearances in 2006 and 2007, which included his son, Shane, who is now a senior at Monmouth College.
“Having the opportunity to coach your son is special,” Haak said.
The other key to success, according to Haak, has been the support of his family, which includes his wife of 28 years, Chris, and daughter, Mallory, who is a sophomore at Harvard.
“My wife is at all the football games and wrestling meets,” said Haak. “Our whole life is around athletics. You can’t do it without that support at home. She’s been so supportive of it. It’s really been a family affair.”