Football coach Drew Steffen was named a Kansas City Chiefs High School Coach of the Week after the Cardinals’ 24-14 win over previously unbeaten Spring Hill last week.
The award, part of a league-wide NFL program, recognizes one coach from both Kansas and Missouri each week of the season. Steffen said it was meaningful recognition but said it belongs to the entire team.
“I think it’s a cool deal,” Steffen said. “In football, we know that it’s not one person. It takes everybody — whether it’s the assistant coaches, coordinators, our scout team guys. Our kids played hard. Our kids did a good job and beat a good football team. When you beat good teams, you know, hopefully you get recognized.”
Former Chiefs player Gary Spani stopped by Cardinals football practice this past week to give Steffen a custom game ball.
“We told our guys that every game in our league’s big, but we knew Spring Hill was going to be really good,” Steffen said. “Our goal is just to keep playing good football. The kids are excited, and they’re excited to keep playing big games.”
Sean Hayden won the award when he was head coach of the football team during Steffen’s first year on the staff.
Football coach Drew Steffen at the Cardinals’ game with Ottawa Friday night.
Following the win over Spring Hill, the Cardinals picked up another big win against previously-undefeated Ottawa. They are 3-1 on the season.
“He brings really good energy to practice every day,” senior Leland Bradshaw said.
As part of the award, Steffen will receive a $500 grant for the program from the Hunt Family Foundation. Steffen is also now in the running for the Chiefs’ Eric Driskell Coach of the Year Award, which will be announced at the end of the season.
Senior Cage Crabill said Steffen helps the team prepare for each week, no matter the opponent.
“He holds us accountable,” he said. “We work every day like we’re 0-0.”
Reach reporter Cuyler Dunn at [email protected]
Photography by Annalynn Phanthadeth
