KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) — When Clemson and Alabama face off in the College Football National Championship game Monday, a West Michigan teacher will be taking on a challenge of his own.
Luke Wilcox is a Michigan Teacher of the Year. The East Kentwood High School math teacher has been with the Kentwood school district for his entire 18-year career in teaching.
Thanks to the College Football Playoff Foundation's Extra Yard for Teachers program, Wilcox along with the rest of the state's Teachers of the Year will get a chance to win $1,000 for the education program by throwing a football 15 yards into a hole.
24 Hour News 8 spoke to Wilcox on the phone from California and found out how he's preparing for the challenge.
"I've been practicing with my son, throwing the football around. I did get some tips from the quarterback at my high school where I teach, Kyle Dent. He gave me some confidence boosters, I hope. And I'll just go out and do the best that I can,” Wilcox said.
The money won goes to the Extra Yard for Teachers program, which works to support teachers through recruitment, professional development and recognition.