Athletic Director Martin Jennings knew when he hired Coach Dave Archibald that he had found a guy who is all about family, faith, and football.

“The more we know and understand one another, the better we can communicate and help one another,” said Coach Dave Archibald.

“A football program takes a lot of people to be successful, and the parents are certainly a part of that.”

Coach Archibald not only prides himself on wins and losses, but wants his players to be successful off the field. He wants all of his players to be better individuals.

“We want to compete at the highest level we can on the field, but I also realize that athletics offer us something even greater–the potential to become closer to the individual that God calls us to be,” Coach Archibald said.

“I also want all students to know, whether they are involved with Band, Cheer, the Cahill Crazies, or other co-curriculars, that they are part of the football community and that we are grateful for their presence on game days.”

“Since Coach Arch became head coach, families have been a lot more involved,” said senior football player Joe Cleary.

“This year we had a Father Son retreat talking about character and life in general and we also had a mother’s breakfast in which we were able to spend time with our mothers and thank them for what they do for us daily. I feel that this has brought a positive vibe and an overall family atmosphere to this team and program.”

When parents get involved along with the players, a strong football program can be created.

Coach Archibald received a degree in education from Notre Dame University.

“I think Dave will do really well with the kids and on the football field and help a lot in the classroom,” Jennings said.

“He’s very passionate about football, teaching and his faith.”

Coach Archibald has always wanted coach football at a Catholic school.

“I am really excited,” Coach Archibald said.

“This is something that I have always wanted to do, which is to be head coach at a Catholic high school.”

“There is a lot of natural excitement about football because it is a unique game, and one in which you don’t get to play more than a game per week- that makes all the preparation and game days even more special,” Coach Archibald said.

“But I hope to build excitement about the program through the work ethic of the team and the character that the team competes with.”

The year before Coach Archibald joined the program the Lions went 1-8, losing all conference games.

“I think as part of the process I did a lot of work from their film from last year and got to know the team well through that,” Archibald said.

“I’m really excited what the team is bringing to the table with the returning players, and I know the lower levels were successful last year. I know there’s a lot of talent in the building, so my goal is to come in and get the guys to play selfless, disciplined football and try to capitalize on the potential in the building.”

When Coach Archibald first joined he was confident that Lions would succeed.

In 2016, Coach Archibald’s first year, the Lions went 6-5, going 4-3 in conference. Archibald improved the team substantially from 2015, and he is still confident that the Lions will improve and become better people on and off the field.

“At the end of every season, I hope that all of my players are people of higher character than when the season began, and that they have grown toward their full potential as football players,” said Coach Archibald.

He wants his players to leave the program physically and spiritually stronger. Coach wants every player to be closer to who God wants them to be. He also wants them to be physically stronger to possibly play football at a higher level.
Family, faith, and football are huge components to building a successful football program. Park district football coaches to NFL football coaches should try to best incorporate these aspects to build a top notch football program.