Pat New’s social studies classroom at Benet happens to overlook the football field he used to run around on as a second-grader.

“My mom tells me I was begging her to play because all of my friends were playing,” New said. “Both of my parents let me play.”

Fittingly, where New started playing football will also be where his journey as a head coach comes to a close. Just a few days after the 2025 season concluded, New announced to his team that he would be retiring after 16 years as head coach of the Redwings. New ends his tenure with a 92-67 mark and 10 IHSA playoff bids.

“I was ready to go,” New said. “After our Week 9 game against DePaul Prep and the season ended, I felt that it was the right time. When people hang it up, they say it just felt like and that’s how it felt for me...

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