SESSER — Sesser-Valier did not have to look far to find the next head football coach for the S-V/Waltonville Red Devils. The school hired former standout player and an assistant in the program, Nick Wingo.
Wingo replaces the hall of fame duo of John Shadowens and Mike Rude, who both resigned in the past few months.
Wingo was an All-Conference, All-South, and All-State lineman for the Red Devils, graduating in 2003. He has five seasons as an assistant coach for the Red Devils football team and six seasons as head coach for the S-V junior high boys basketball team.
In a release Wingo said, “It is a true honor to be named the head football coach at Sesser-Valier High School. As someone who grew up in this community, I understand the pride, tradition, and work ethic that defines our football program. I am excited to continue to help lead our student-athletes with passion, discipline, and heart. I am all-in and can’t wait to get to work!”
The Red Devils have made the playoffs eight straight seasons, not counting the pandemic-shortened season in 2020-21 where there were no playoffs. SVW is 35-10 the past four seasons, including a trip to the 1A state quarterfinals in 2023.
“We enjoyed what I believe was one of the best assistant coaching staffs in Southern Illinois the past few yearsand Coach Wingo was integral, ” Shadowens said via the release. “I’m pleased that we hired in-house and our football tradition can continue.”
