Zick returns to Rochelle as assistant coach

Former Hub student-athlete to serve as defensive coordinator, dean of students

Russell Hodges
Posted 7/22/18

Brett Zick spent four seasons playing for the Rochelle Township High School football program before graduating in 1997. Roughly two decades later, Zick has returned to the Hubs as an assistant coach, and the former RTHS student-athlete is excited to be working for his alma mater.

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Zick returns to Rochelle as assistant coach

Former Hub student-athlete to serve as defensive coordinator, dean of students

Posted

ROCHELLE — Brett Zick spent four seasons playing for the Rochelle Township High School football program before graduating in 1997. Roughly two decades later, Zick has returned to the Hubs as an assistant coach, and the former RTHS student-athlete is excited to be working for his alma mater.

“I found out during the winter after last football season that there was a position opening up here,” Zick said. “I applied and luckily they chose me. It’s a great coaching staff and the kids are amazing. The senior class has a great group of leaders, and the kids work hard.”

Zick attended Knox College after graduating RTHS, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2002 before becoming an English teacher and a coach for both football and baseball at Marengo Community High School. He left Marengo in 2007 to teach English and become the defensive coordinator at Richmond-Burton Community High School, where he worked for the last 11 years.

Zick, who obtained his master’s degree in educational administration and supervision at National-Louis University in 2010, will serve as dean of students at RTHS. Zick will call plays on defense this fall, and he will also work with the running backs and defensive backs.

“We have some experienced players coming back, and it’s going to be a tough schedule but we have the kids to do it,” Zick said. “it means a lot to come back here because this program gave me and taught me a lot. It was a fun program to be a part of and it’s very exciting to come back and contribute to the coaching staff the way coach [Kevin Crandall] and others did for me when I was a player.”

Brett is the nephew of former RTHS and Ashton-Franklin Center basketball coach Russ Zick. Although the two haven’t worked closely together as coaches, Brett said he’s picked up some things from his uncle that have helped him become a better coach. Rochelle opens its season against Marion on Saturday, Aug. 25.

“I think I’ve learned some things from Russ,” Brett said. “I’ve learned from all the years I spent hanging around him, and people have told me in the past that I’m like him in some ways. He’s definitely a good guy to learn from.”