News Summary
Charlie Gunsell has been awarded the Detroit Lions High School Football Coach of the Week for leading Ludington High School to a decisive victory over Whitehall. This win improves the team’s record to 7-0, marking their best start since 1989 and representing Gunsell’s 100th career victory. As he approaches retirement at the end of the season, Gunsell’s coaching legacy is highlighted by his achievements, including playoff appearances and a strong family connection to the team.
Ludington, Michigan – Charlie Gunsell has been named the week seven recipient of the 2025 Detroit Lions High School Football Coach of the Week Program, presented by Carhartt. Gunsell, the head coach of Ludington High School’s football team known as the Orioles, led his team to a significant victory over Whitehall, with a score of 32-7 during Ludington’s Homecoming game.
This win not only improved Ludington’s season record to 7-0 but also marked their best start since 1989. Moreover, it was Gunsell’s 100th career win as a football coach, highlighting a milestone in his long-standing coaching career. With this victory, Ludington secured at least a share of the West Michigan Conference-Lakes Division title, adding to the team’s accomplishments this season.
Furthermore, Ludington High School is currently ranked number 9 in Division 4 and will be traveling to Muskegon on October 17th to face the Orchard View Cardinals, who have a record of 4-3 this season. Gunsell is nearing the end of his coaching tenure, as he is in his 27th season of high school football at Ludington and has announced plans to step down as head coach at the end of the current season.
Coaching Legacy and Achievements
Throughout his coaching career, Gunsell has seen significant success, leading Ludington to the playoffs in 7 out of the last 10 seasons. Under his leadership, the team has cultivated a strong football program recognized for both competitiveness on the field and fostering character development in players.
A personal highlight for Gunsell has been the opportunity to coach his younger son while his older son serves on the coaching staff. This familial connection emphasizes the community aspect of high school sports, where family ties often play a substantial role in the development of young athletes.
Recognition and Awards
The Coach of the Week award is part of the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week Program, which recognizes high school coaches for their success on the field and their commitment to player development and health. Each winning coach receives a $1,000 donation for their school’s football program, contributing to the growth of high school football in Michigan.
This season, the program, supported by contributions from the Detroit Lions, NFL Foundation, and Carhartt, has awarded a total of $12,000 to aid football development in the state. At the end of the season, one Coach of the Year will be selected, receiving a $3,000 donation for their school, highlighting the continued dedication to enhancing high school sports. Winners also receive a certificate signed by Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
The Coaches of the Week program has been in operation for 29 years and has awarded a total of $515,000 to high school football programs across Michigan, showcasing its long-standing commitment to supporting youth sports and promoting good coaching practices.
Further Information
For those interested in learning more about the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week Program, inquiries can be directed to Chris Fritzsching, the Lions’ Executive Director of Football Education, via email.
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- Detroit Lions: Defense Steps Up in MNF Win Over Bucs
- Wikipedia: Detroit Lions
- Detroit Free Press: Brian Branch and NFL Refs
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- CatchMark Sports: Charlie Gunsell Named Coach of the Week
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DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
