In the time he was at Glendale High School, Jason Wilke left quite a successful record.
As the head football coach for three years at Glendale, the Cardinals won 4A-II Skyline Region titles in 2005 and 2006 and two state playoff appearances. In his six years as Glendale's head track coach, Wilke led the Cardinals to a 4A-II state championship in 2006.
It became official when Wilke signed a contract to coach the new varsity football program May 14 at Valley Vista High School in Surprise. Valley View had a junior varsity program last year, consisting of freshmen and sophomores.
Wilke started May 18 with open fields with Valley View's Monsoon team, who will join the 5A-II Northwest Region this fall. The purple, black and silver of Valley View are in the Dysart Unified School District.
“I'm very proud to say I've been a Cardinal and I wish Glendale all the best,” Wilke said. “I'm very appreciative of them for giving me my first head football coaching job.”
Posting for a new head football coach closes today before the hiring process begins, Glendale Athletic Director Pete June said.
“Jason was just a natural fit for our program and I hated losing him, but I had no problem with his moving on personally and professionally and I wish him the best,” June said.
He said Wilke's football and track achievements meant more to the school than wins and losses.
“It's the first time in years we've won back-to-back region championships and taking them to the (state) playoffs was a big accomplishment,” he said. “Winning a state title in track last year and finishing fourth this year this year speaks volumes about his character, and the way he runs the program.”
Reach the reporter at gwitkowski@star-times.com, or (623) 847-4605.