DeVries named new head football coach

Jared DeVries, an Iowa high school football standout who went on to become a college All-American and played professional football, has been named as the next head coach for Clear Lake High School.

DeVries, who has been a volunteer assistant for the Lions team during the past four seasons, will succeed Fred Wieck, who announced his retirement earlier this year.    As a volunteer, he worked with the Lions’ defensive line, assisted with the offensive line, as well as special teams with Assistant Coach Eric Perry.

DeVries said he is excited to be leading the program and his goal is to continue the winning tradition which the program has enjoyed.

One of his first orders of business is to hold a player/parent meeting May 21 at 6 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.  Interested players currently in grades eight to 11 are invited to attend.   The meeting will serve as an opportunity to outline expectations and goals for the program, he said.

“I want to get in front of the kids, then parents, and make sure we are all on the same page.  I have met with last year’s staff and they are all on board.”

The coach said he would like to see attendance in the weight room improved. “This wheel rolls just fine.  It works,” said DeVries.  “All coaches have different schemes they like, but I don’t plan on changing things too much.”

DeVries was a member of Aplington-Parkersburg’s state championship team in 1993 and was an All-American at the University of Iowa before spending his entire 12-year career in the NFL with the Detroit Lions.