Congratulations to LCHS head football coach Matt Silkowski; he has been chosen as a coach for the 2025 Illinois High School Shrine Game, scheduled for Saturday, June 21 at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington.
Silkowski was one of 12 coaches selected by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA) The announcement was made via press release distributed by the Illinois High School Association.
“I got a text November 26 from Dave Jacobs [former Rochester HS football, and current IHSFCA trustee and organizer of the Illinois High School Shrine Game] asking me to give him a call,” Silkowski said. “When I called him, he had some really nice things to say about me and about what we’re doing with the program here in Lincoln and thought I’d be a good addition to the staff for the game.”
Silkowski said that, although he has only seen a basic itinerary, he will be working with the running backs and wide receivers for the red team. Players and coaches will report for the event on June 17 and hold multiple practices each day until game day on June 21.
According to the IHSA press release: “Silkowski became the head football coach at LCHS in 2016. Since then, he has revitalized the Railsplitters football program, leading them to their first playoff appearance in 39 years during the 2023 season. With the third-most wins in school history, Coach Silkowski has brought pride and energy to the program. Outside of coaching, Matt enjoys grilling and spending time with his family. He is married to his wife, Lauren, and they have two children, Urban (7) and Madison (4). Matt was born and raised in Tinley Park.”
Silkowski has compiled a 27-52 overall record since becoming head coach prior to the 2016-17 season, including a 17-20 overall mark over the past four seasons. He ranks third all-time in Railer football coaching wins behind Gene McDonald (90-86-4 career record) and Roy Anderson (55-52-13).