Several members of the 2022 team surround L-S Coach Parkinson as he gives instruction during the Hawks’ semifinals game at the UNI Dome. Parkinson was named Class A’s Coach of the Year by the Iowa Football Coaches Association. The accomplishments of the 2022 team are compliments of Parkinson’s leadership and guidance at the helm along with a staff that included seven other coaches – Brad Bowlin, Chad Squires, Cale Van Wyk, Nathan Russell, Ken Gross, Leigh Hornbuckle, and Evan Squires.
Lynnville-Sully Head Football Coach Mike Parkinson has been named The Iowa Football Coaches Association (IFCA)’s Class A Coach of the Year.
“This award is both very humbling and appreciated. A lot of hard work has gone into this season by our staff, players, and parents. I want this award to be representative of all of the time and dedication by our coaching staff and want to recognize them as well – Brad Bowlin, Chad Squires, Cale Van Wyk, Nathan Russell, Ken Gross, Leigh Hornbuckle, and Evan Squires,” said Parkinson.
Parkinson led his 2022 squad to the state semifinals at the UNI Dome for just the second time in school history. The 2022 Hawks accomplished many remarkable feats including a season that ended with an 11-1 record, District 6 championship for the second consecutive year, host of three playoff games, and the state semifinalist achievement. Under Parkinson’s leadership, the 2022 squad did what only one other L-S team has done in school history, dating back nearly 40 years to 1986. This year marked only the second time in school history the Hawks have won 11 games, and the season also wraps up the second-best two-year stretch by an L-S team (19-3, 1986: 21-1).
“Coach of the Year is a well-deserved award. The amount of time coach Parkinson put in throughout the whole year to help us get to where we did is unbelievable.” -Corder Noun Harder, L-S junior
Parkinson has served as head coach of Lynnville-Sully’s football program since 2011. During his 12 seasons at L-S, he has accumulated an overall record of 80-42 and has made 10 playoff appearances with an 11-10 record in the postseason. Five of his teams have been crowned district champs (‘12, ‘17, ‘18, ’21, ‘22), four have made the quarterfinals, and the 2022 squad was the first semifinals at the Dome for Parkinson.
“Coach Parkinson not only guides us to give our best and leave it all on the field, he also inspires us to be even better men of character beyond the game. I can’t think of a better recipient for IFCA Coach of the Year. It’s been one of the greatest honors of my life to play for him and the Hawks.” -Conner Maston, L-S senior
Prior to L-S, Parkinson served as the offensive coordinator for Woodward-Granger, and prior to that stint, he was the wide receiver/defensive backs coach for Bishop Heelan in Sioux City for one year. In addition to serving as the Hawks’ football coach today, Parkinson is also Lynnville-Sully’s athletic director and teaches high school social studies. He and his wife Sara have four children.
The Iowa Football Coaches Association is a statewide organization that serves all Iowa football coaches and provides resources on team development and coaching.
