Chris Rizzo '15, '18G Named Arizona Cardinals High School Coach of the Week

11/3/2020 4:00:00 PM | By: Joe Ginley '16

GLENDALE, Arizona -- Another alumnus of the John Carroll University football program is excelling as a coach after getting his start as a Blue Streak.

Chris Rizzo '15, '18G, a former standout for the Blue Streaks, is enjoying success as the head coach of the Ironwood High School Eagles in Glendale, Arizona. On Monday evening, Rizzo was named the Arizona Cardinals High School Coach of the Week.

The head coach at Ironwood, Rizzo guided the Eagles to a 20-11 win over Sunrise Mountain. Ironwood holds a 4-1 record through five games.

"I get to coach a special group of young men, at a special school, with special people," Rizzo said on Twitter after earning the award. "Without them, I'm just a guy with a whistle. Thanks to everyone for their love and support. I'm honored and blessed to be where I'm at."

Rizzo started learning his coaching craft at John Carroll. The Bethel Park, Pennsylvania native first enjoyed a great career as a student-athlete as a stud linebacker. He tallied 39 tackles, 8 tackles, and 3 sacks over 29 games from 2012-14. He was recognized as an Honorable Mention All-OAC selection for the 2014 season, thanks in part to a clutch strip sack in the NCAA Quarterfinals.

After earning a Bachelor's degree in History, Rizzo joined the JCU coaching staff in 2015 as a defensive assistant. He then moved to the offensive side of the ball as a graduate assistant for the 2016 and 2017 campaigns, mentoring the tight ends in 2016 and then the running backs in 2017 under Rick Finotti.

"I'll always be thankful for him. The way he handled the coaching transition, as a previous coach and player, was great," said Finotti. "He helped to bridge everything for us as we continued to develop a player-focused program. He went about his job with such a workman-like attitude. He's got a great work ethic and he's a super guy."

After acquiring a Master's degree in Education, Rizzo headed west to Arizona, becoming the head coach at Ironwood and a world history teacher.

"Coach Rizzo is first and foremost a true Man of Carroll," says Defensive Coordinator Jeff Long, who coached with Rizzo in 2017. "It was Chris who taught me what that truly meant when I arrived at John Carroll four years ago. He possesses a tireless work ethic and always works to serve others in the best way possible. His knowledge of the game continues to grow and his teaching abilities are second to none. I am excited to continue to watch him grow as a leader of young men and as a football coach. More big wins lie ahead for the Ironwood Eagles football program both on and off the field."

Rizzo's Eagles will be back in action this Friday, facing 2-2 Verrado (AZ) on the road.

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