After leading the Patriots to yet another state championship victory, varsity football head coach Patrick Surtain earned the title of 2020 National High School Football Coach of the Year from High School Football America (HSFA) and the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA).

“It’s an amazing accomplishment,” Coach Surtain said of the award, “and you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. This is a team award.”

Jeff Fisher, head of the NHSCA Coach of the Year Nominating Committee and founder of High School Football America, expressed his respect for Coach Surtain’s role in the Patriots’ successes the past few years.

“Coach Surtain has done an outstanding job at American Heritage, while playing one of the toughest schedules in the nation,” Fisher said in the official announcement of Coach of the Year. “His success goes beyond the playing field. His ability to prepare his student-athletes for the next level makes him an excellent choice for this honor.”

Coach Surtain’s impact on the Heritage football program has not only commanded respect nationwide, but also from his players.

“Coach Pat has been there for me since day one, and it’s been great playing on his team the last few years,” starting QB sophomore Blake Murphy said. “His coaching style is different. All some coaches want to do is yell, whereas Coach Pat will pull you aside, talk to you about it, and teach you on it.”