SEAMLESS TRANSITION: New Redington head coach plans to pick up right where former leader left off

WASILLA — During the past two seasons, former Redington head coach Tony Brooke helped the Huskies varsity football team make the jump from 0-8 in 2016 to 4-4 in 2017. Brooke, who also coaches basketball at Redington, opted to step away from his duties with the football team earlier in the offseason. But new head coach Mathias Weinberger plans to pick up right where Brooke left off.

Weinberger, Redington’s defensive coordinator, has been named the head coach of the Huskies football program.

“The biggest thing I’m thankful, grateful for is all of the work Coach Brooke did. It was a pleasure working with him,” Weinberger said. “He did a really good job communicating with the kids, really working hard. I am looking forward to continuing that work.”

Weinberger said he’s thrilled with the chance to guide Redington into its third season as a varsity program.

“I’m really excited to get started, build on last year,” Weinberger said.

Weinberger said his plan starts with continuing to build a foundation for football at Redington.

“Build from the ground up, give (the Redington Huskies) something they can be proud of,” Weinberger said. “I want to build something, develop something.”

A native of Austria, Weinberger has lived in Alaska since 2015. Weinberger said his sister-in-law used to live in Alaska, and he and his wife would make frequent trips to the 49th state.

“We kept visiting here, kept coming back,” Weinberger said.

Eventually, Weinberger and his wife made the move to Alaska, and he brought a vast amount of coaching experience with him. Weinberger enjoyed a long tenure of coaching club football at a high level in Austria. He landed his first head coaching position at 24 years old. Weinberger said he had the opportunity to work with numerous athletes who were recruited to play at the next level. He also led teams to four championships.

Redington assistant principal Matt Swalling said there were a number of things that stood out about Weinberger during the interview process. Swalling said he was impressed by Weinberger’s experience and how prepared he is. What stood out most, Swalling said, was Weinberger’s list of very concrete short-term goals and a plan to transition those goals to the long term. Swalling said Weinberger looked at the big picture, ways to build the program and provide his athletes with the tools to become better student-athletes.

“His long-term vision was definitely a selling point,” Swalling sad.

Swallling said Weinberger’s experience with the program was also key.

“The kids love him, and the coaches work well with him,” Swalling said. “He’s very clear with the students in terms of expectations.”

Swalling said there is excitement about the growth of Redington activities and the Huskies football program.

“The community is really excited to hit the ground running with Coach Weinberg,” Swalling said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.