EVANSVILLE– You cannot have a conversation about Tri-State high school football without mentioning Mater Dei head coach, Mike Goebel. The local legend is finally receiving national recognition with his latest honor.
“Playing for Coach Goebel was always a dream of mine,” says Cody Hess. “When you put on the red and gold, you want to play for Coach Goebel.”
Mater Dei’s all-time leading rusher-turned-assistant coach, Cody Hess, can now say he’s shared space with a National Coach of the Year. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has named Mike Goebel the 2022-2023 National Football Coach of the Year. Wildcats senior running back and linebacker, Spencer Turner, grew up learning of the lore surrounding Coach Goebel, and reflects fondly upon his time as a one of his players.
“Growing up I did hear a lot of stories,” says Turner. “Coming into feeder school, we’d come here for football camp and he was kind of a legend when we were little. So, its pretty cool to play for him and to achieve some goals with him.”
In his 27 seasons, Goebel has compiled a record of 263 wins and 90 losses and has led Mater Dei to two IHSAA Class 2A State Championships, plus 10 Regional titles, 17 Sectional crowns, nine Evansville City Championships, and seven SIAC titles. But Goebel says the shine shouldn’t solely be placed on him.
“I really think the credit goes to the players. My assistant coaches are the very best. All of them could be head coaches just about anywhere, but they work here,” says Goebel.
One of those assistants, Cody Hess, turns the tables on Goebel, saying the program wouldn’t be the same without him. Hess also credits Coach Goebel for shaping him into the man he is today.
“If I didn’t have him, I’m not sure where I’d be right now,” Hess says. “He’s done a lot for me, when I was a player, in the classroom, and also moving through college to a career in teaching and coaching. He’s been a big part of that, and helped me along the way in any way that he can. So, I can’t thank him enough.”
The NFHS has been handing out of awards like this since 1982, and the Tri-State would agree in saying that this one is the most deserved. With years of success filling up his resume, Coach Goebel hopes to continue his efforts for years to come with the continued support of those around him.
“It’s really a reflection of the program and a multitude of years being competitive,” Goebel says. “The young men that have played, and now the young men that have coached, the great community, it’s really a shared award. We’ll certainly accept it, and we’re really proud of it.”
Goebel was also an NFHS National Coach of the Year for Mater Dei wrestling program in the past. Between wrestling and football, Goebel has won 14 total State Championships.
