(Undated) -- Rock Island head football coach Ben Hammer has received a national honor. Hammer's been named one of the nation's top 35-up-and-coming coaches to look out for.
Hammer is one of just three high school coaches chosen for the American Football Coaches Association, Leadership Institute.
The AFCA made it's selection out of 150 high-quality applicants.
"It is 100% an honor to be selected to the Leadership Institute but this recognition is much more of a reflection of our whole program. We have a staff of coaches that work really hard, love kids, and put them first in everything that they do. We have kids that care about each other and aren't afraid to put the team first. We have great leadership, including Mrs. Lillis, Principal Whitaker, and Dr. Lawrence. Our support staff is second to none from our Student Managers, our Equipment Manager, and our Athletic Trainer," said Coach Hammer.
The AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute is a prestigious program aimed at identifying and developing premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession.
(Photo from AFCA)