THE APEX TIMES
Mauston’s Nick Whalen earns Packers High School Coach of the Week honors after turnaround season
In his second season leading the Golden Eagles, Whalen has guided Mauston to a 5-3 record after an 0-9 finish in his first year, with a shot at a South Central Conference share heading into the final game.
Green Bay named Nick Whalen of Mauston High School its High School Coach of the Week, recognizing a rapid turnaround in his coaching start with the Golden Eagles.
Packers officials say Whalen, now in his second season as head coach, helped Mauston post a 5-3 record after the team went 0-9 in his first season. The notice also frames the current stretch as pivotal, with Mauston chasing at least a share of the South Central Conference championship in its final regular-season game.
The Packers credit the turnaround to a team-building approach centered on belief and resilience, noting that Mauston’s roster is exceptionally young. Packers officials said nearly half of the Golden Eagles’ starting offense and defense consists of freshmen and sophomores.
Whalen highlighted the team’s ability to overcome early deficits, with Packers officials pointing to Mauston twice erasing a 14-point deficit during the season, including in the team’s first win and in its most recent game.
The award announcement also ties Mauston’s on-field momentum to off-field engagement. Packers officials said the Golden Eagles prioritize community involvement, including hosting and serving during a monthly Mauston community supper, and that the culture was visible during a homecoming win that was secured by a game-sealing interception.
Why It Matters
- A conference title opportunity can change the postseason picture for a high school program, and the announcement places Mauston within reach of its first South Central Conference championship share since 2020.
- The roster makeup described in the release suggests Mauston’s improvement is being driven by early-career players, which can influence continuity as the program builds toward future playoff runs.
- Community involvement, described as a deliberate part of the team routine, can strengthen school support and home-field momentum during key late-season games.
Key Facts
- Nick Whalen of Mauston High School was named the Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week for the 2026 season.
- Whalen is in his second season as head coach, after Mauston went 0-9 in his first year.
- Packers officials reported Mauston has compiled a 5-3 record in the current season.
- Mauston is pursuing at least a share of the South Central Conference championship in its final regular-season game, according to Packers officials.
- Packers officials said nearly half of Mauston’s starting offense and defense consists of freshmen and sophomores.
- The award program includes, for the winning school, recognition and other partner sites plus a $1,000 donation to the football program from the Packers and the NFL Foundation.