Heck of a Coach and person. He will be missed in the CCL and IHSA. Congrats Coach.
Hats Off to Coach Kuska
- Thread starter lookoutforliam
- Start date
At the alumni luncheon two weeks ago he said he was staying at St. Rita to teach science classes. He has been one of the best coaches of helping to place kids in college who want to continue playing. I thinking he will continue doing that for this senior class. He always represented the school, the football program, and himself with dignity.
Yes. 2009 St. Rita graduate Martin Hopkins who went on to play and coach for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
From what I’ve seen so far and know about him, correct disposition, strong football acumen and love for the program. All of these legacy school coaching positions are tough gigs. Wishing Coach Hopkins the best as he puts his stamp on the program.
Copied from the Beverly Review.
When his position on the University of Iowa football coaching staff was eliminated in fall 2020, Martin Hopkins wasn’t sure what the future held for him. He did know that he wasn’t completely done just yet with the game he loves. If the chance arose, Hopkins would definitely jump back in for the right opportunity—and recently, he got his chance.
St. Rita High School announced that Hopkins, a 2009 alum, will take over the football program after the 2021 fall season. Coach Todd Kuska announced in August that this season will be his last of his longtime career. Hopkins is thrilled to get back on the field. “I always figured I’d get back in to football. I had that itch and that love of the game,” he said. “I love working with the kids. This was a dream job for me. I just couldn’t pass this up. I want to help St. Rita for as long as I can.”
Hopkins, 31, is a Morgan Park native and St. Cajetan Elementary School graduate. He went on to play at St. Rita as a standout linebacker and was on the 2006 state championship team and the 2007 Prep Bowl championship team. After St. Rita, he went to Iowa to continue his football career.
During his time with the Hawkeyes, he moved from linebacker to defensive line, and injuries ended his playing days.
“It was knee issues,” Hopkins said. “Moving up to the defensive line, I was putting on weight. It got to the point that my body would have been better off without the weight. [Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz] asked if I was interested in helping out as a coach. It was a great opportunity.”
From student assistant to grad assistant to assistant coach, he spent the next nine seasons with the Hawkeyes. Unfortunately, in 2020 as the college sports landscape was heavily impacted by the pandemic, Hopkins’ job was eliminated. He moved to Boston with his wife, Elizabeth, and took a job in software sales.
So, when the chance to return to Chicago and coach at his alma mater presented itself, Hopkins couldn’t pass it up. “It’s still pretty surreal but really exciting to get the job and be back home,” Hopkins said. “To follow in Coach Kuska’s footsteps, it’s crazy. The program has only had three coaches over the last almost 60 years. It’s pretty humbling to be named head coach.” Kuska has been St. Rita’s head coach since 1998. The previous football coaches were Todd Wernet (1985-1997) and Pat Cronin (1969-1984).
Hopkins will also be the director of strategic development at St. Rita. With almost 10 years of Division I coaching experience with the Hawkeyes, Hopkins can’t wait for his first job as a head coach. “I was fortunate to be heavily involved at Iowa with everything that entails,” Hopkins said. “I have a good understanding of what’s required. There’s a nervous excitement. I’m excited to work with that first class of freshmen. I’m confident in my knowledge and I’ll continue to communicate with Coach Kuska, who will still be in the building. There will be a learning curve, but I can’t wait.”
