Palatine High School Names New Head Football Coach

Palatine High School has named a leading the Palatine Pirates, according to a press release from District 211.

Rick Splitt was given the new position Wednesday; he was previously an assistant varsity coach and also served as the Pirates defensive coordinator for the past six seasons. 

“Rick is a great fit for the job, and we’re really excited to have Rick leading our football program,” said Gary Steiger, Palatine High School principal, in the release.  

“He has been a part of Palatine football for the past 13 years. He knows our student-athletes and our community, and knows what it takes to maintain a successful program,” Steiger said. 

Splitt helped lead the Palatine Pirates as they made the state's Elite Eight in 2010 and 2012, and as they clinched Mid-Suburban League Conference titles in 2008, 2011 and 2012, the release stated. 

His coaching career in high school football began at Chicago's Mather High School in 1993, and he went on to coach running backs, wide receivers and defensive backs from 1996 to 1999 at his alma mater, Carmel High School in Mundelein. 

“Rick has played a major role in the resurgence of football at Palatine High School,” said Jerry Dobbs, the school’s athletic director.  “We’re extremely happy with the direction of the program, and Rick is the guy to keep it moving in the right direction.”

According to the release, Splitt holds two degrees from Northeastern Illinois University, a bachelor's degree in physical education and a master's degree in counselor education. He also completed his Type 75 certification in December of 1999. 

Physical education is where Splitt began his career in teaching, first at Lake Zurich Middle School North where he also coached volleyball and basketball from 1994 to 1997. He then became the assistant baseball coach at Lake Zurich High School from 1996 to 1999, and the varsity head coach from 1999 to 2000. 

In addition, he was the assistant baseball coach at Stevenson High School from 1994 to 1995 and then at Palatine High School from 2000 to 2001, the release stated.