Michael Lenz, a West Hartford resident and graduate of Northwest Catholic, is coming home to lead the Lions.

Submitted by Maureen Scudder, Northwest Catholic High School

Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Lenz as head coach of the NWC football team. Lenz is a veteran English teacher at Simsbury High School with more than 20 years of football coaching experience.

Lenz’s coaching philosophy includes the importance of hard work, self-discipline, and supportive relationships fostered through sports. Upon learning of his appointment, Lenz remarked, “I am incredibly excited to return to Northwest Catholic’s tight knit community that has been like a second family to me.” Lenz continued, “I was lucky enough to attend NWC as a student-athlete in the early 1990s and later coached football and baseball at the school for 17 years. To me, what makes Northwest Catholic so special is the combination of passionate teachers, parents, administrators, and coaches working together to produce graduates who are lifelong learners, service-oriented, and leaders in the community.”

Most recently, Lenz has been Hall High School’s line backers and offensive line coach. Before joining the coaching staff at Hall, Lenz was the defensive coordinator at Northwest Catholic. During his 12 years on the football coaching staff at NWC, the team had an overall record of 94-28-1. Lenz helped lead the team to four straight conference titles and six overall. His team made six trips to the Class S Semi-finals and one trip to the Class S State Championship. In 2005, the team went undefeated.

More important than this impressive record, according to Lenz, was his success at building great relationships between and among players, coaches, and parents.

Mike Lenz and Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli. Submitted photo

Before Tuesday’s exciting announcement of Lenz’s appointment, Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli reflected on Lenz’s unique qualities, for Martorelli has seen firsthand Lenz’s gifts – as a player for Coach Lenz, as a fellow coach at NWC, and as his supervisor after Martorelli became the athletic director at the School.

Martorelli said, “Mike not only understands football, he understands how to work with young athletes day in and day out.” He continued, “I have total confidence in Coach Lenz. He upholds the values of Northwest Catholic and knows what it means to be an athlete here.”

NWC President and Head of School Christian Cashman added, “We could not be more excited to announce the return of Mike Lenz to the NWC football program as head coach. Beyond his coaching and technical expertise, Mike truly understands the ‘Northwest Catholic way.’ He is a man of integrity and faith. His experience as a coach, father, and high school educator will be invaluable in forming our athletes in mind, body, and spirit.” Cashman continued, “It was clear to our search committee that Mike Lenz will be a tremendous ambassador for NWC Athletics. Welcome home, Mike!”

NWC extends its sincere appreciation to the NWC Football Search Committee: Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03, Guidance Counselor and former NWC Football Head Coach Mike Tyler ’73, Director of Advancement Patricia Walsh (past parent), Director of Constituent Relations Jane Leary (past parent), and alumnus Chris Thorner ’02. Their time and dedication to the NWC mission and this process was a generous gift. 

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Mike Lenz is congratulated on his appointment as NWC head football coach. Submitted photo