The Atlanta Falcons coach of the week program, presented by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, has recognized the efforts of varsity tackle and girls flag football coaches across the states of Georgia and Alabama for their hard work and dedication to making a difference in student-athletes lives on and off the field.
The winning coach will receive a $1,000 grant for its football program, a commemorative Atlanta Falcons item and recognition from the Atlanta Falcons and AJC at a game this season.
The nominees for the eighth Falcons Coach of the Week award exemplify coaching excellence with relation to their teams, fan bases and communities.
Tyler Aurandt, North Oconee High School
From the nominator: Tyler took over a program that had gone 0-10 the previous year. He was able to change the culture of our program in two years and in doing this he helped change the culture of the whole school and we are now one of the top athletic programs in the state. Tyler has had such a positive effect that our young students look up to our players as positive role models.
Positive impact on community: Tyler started a mentor program where all his athletes mentor an elementary school students. The success of the program has been overwhelming. We had hoped to have our junior and senior players participate, but after the success of the program in year one, so many parents signed up to have a mentor that all our players have a child they mentor and most have two. He has contributed greatly to making our community a positive and special place.
Jake Burgdorf, McEachern High School flag footbaa
From the nominator: He has invested his time in building this sport in Georgia and invested time in helping the coaches in Georgia grow in their knowledge and understanding of this game. He has led the charge in changing the rules to give the girls more games and time on the field. It also sparked interest in the elementary and middle schools around the area to participate in Flag Football Leagues. Leagues has started to pop up around the community of Powder Springs due to the success of the McEachern program.
Positive impact on community: Jake has given girl’s opportunities to try something new and have success doing so. He has helped some of the girls earn scholarships to colleges. He has become the voice of the Georgia Flag Football Coaches. The flag football team at McEachern has hosted flag football clinics for its community.
Heather Brindle, Mountain View High School flag football
From the nominator: In six years as Head Coach, Coach Brindle has led the Mountain View Flag Football program to the playoffs each year. She has coached numerous all-area and all-county players, and has mentored other flag football coaches to grow the sport. Our girls are leaders on and off the field. With the support of Coach Brindle and her willingness to work with community service programs, our players volunteer for numerous community events. As an officer for the Key Club for the State of Georgia, Coach Brindle is constantly helping students connect with community initiatives.
Positive impact on community: Coach Brindle mentors, loves, respects, and nudges countless young women in amazing ways. She lost sleep over students in crisis and puts student athletes’ needs ahead of her own. She held young women to the highest standards and taught them to do the same for themselves. Coach Brindle consistently shows that empowering women can change the community and the world. She knows when to nudge, and when to step back.
Vote now for the Falcons Coach of the Week. Voting closes Thursday at 9:00 a.m.
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