A major shift in the football program has come about after Metea Valley hired Patrick Sheehan to take over as the new head football coach. Sheehan intends to lead the team with a new philosophy, focusing on perseverance and discipline.
“In order to have success, you have to learn from failure,” Sheehan said. “We have to focus on details and be comfortable in an uncomfortable environment. I believe work provides the results.”
Sheehan’s intentions for the team will bring a new change to the program’s success.
“One thing that we will be much different in is taking pride in being strong, fast, physical, and nasty in the offensive and defensive line,” Sheehan said.
Beyond strategy and technique, Sheehan believes that forming strong relationships with his athletes is key to maximizing their potential.
“To push our athletes further and push them to want to achieve more, you have to have a foundation, a relationship with them,” Sheehan said. “To get the most out of the [athletes], [they need to] know you care about them and that you want what’s best for them. I’ll always go back to [the question of] ‘What kind of relationship do I have with the kid that I’m pushing and asking for?”
In terms of on-field development, Sheehan emphasizes structured systems and preparation.
“It all starts in the weight room,” Sheehan said. “We’ll focus on details, use systems that have been proven to work at other schools and collegiate level, with offense and defensive philosophy.”
Sheehan also substitutes in the Physical Education department, bringing extensive experience from both playing and coaching football.
Sheehan’s football journey began at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, where he played wide receiver. He continued his athletic career at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville as a tight end. Transitioning into coaching, Sheehan started as a recruiting coordinator at UW-Platteville before becoming the wide receiver and tight end coach. Over time, he expanded his responsibilities, taking on the role of defensive line coach and special teams coordinator at his alma mater.
Sheehan acknowledged that after his many years of coaching, he’s learned that building a strong team culture is a process that takes time and dedication.
“Culture takes time to develop, but what I’ll say for the athletes that are or want to be a part of football: it’s not going to be easy,” Sheehan said. “We have to make sacrifices and decide to do what’s difficult to have success.”
He also highlights the importance of full team commitment, noting that a majority of athletes are already demonstrating the necessary dedication.
“65-70% of the athletes are extremely motivated to do whatever we ask of them,” Sheehan said.” “They’re willing to show up well before school starts with a positive attitude. But, for us to succeed, that number needs to be at 100%.”
Despite the challenges ahead, he sees positive signs in the team’s early efforts.
“We still have a lot of work to do, but what I’ve seen is a group of guys understanding and seeing firsthand what it’ll take to succeed,” Sheehan said. “Getting up early and setting the tone and taking pride in it [will accomplish that].”
To help instill discipline and work ethic, the program currently holds morning lifts three days a week at 5:45 a.m., along with afternoon pre-season training sessions in the gym.
Sheehan encourages students to join the program, even if they haven’t played football before.
It’ll be difficult, but show up ready to take pride in the work,” Sheehan said. “do the right things; we are a team who cares, so if you want to be a part of that, reach out to me.”
Contact Coach Sheehan at [email protected], or visit the Athletics Office located near the gym.
