Coaches

Joe Higgenbotham

Super Lightweight Head Coach

Played football from 8 years old to 18 years old mostly on the defensive side of the ball.

Coached baseball for 4 years and football for 3 years, most recently as the defensive coordinator for the SLW team in 2025.

This season I am looking forward to the 5th quarter games. The SLW level comes with a special challenge due to the amount of kids that have never played tackle football or have moved over from the flag football program. Last year there were a large number of first year SLW players that significantly contributed to the team’s success. The ability to get all of the kids repetitions in live game situations this season is a major boost not only for the kids, but the team and program as well.

This season we will focus on fundamentals, basic football knowledge and overcoming adversity.

Justin Young

Lightweight Head Coach

Justin Young has been a part of the Manhattan community for over 40 years and brings a lifelong passion for athletics and football to the program.

He played youth football locally, competed at Lincoln-Way High School where he earned All-Conference honors, and continued his playing career at Saint Xavier University.

Justin has coached at multiple levels, serving as a Defensive Coordinator at both the SLW and LW programs. He also coaches travel softball with the New Lenox Power and travel baseball with the Illinois Celtics, a role he has held for the past six years. In addition, he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Patriots Football and Cheer program.

An elected trustee in the community, Justin is deeply invested in mentoring young athletes and strengthening the town he calls home. He emphasizes strong fundamentals, proper technique, and physical, disciplined play, and is committed to helping athletes develop both on and off the field.

Matt Weaver

Lightweight Head Coach

My name is Matt Weaver, and I’m excited and honored to serve as the Head Coach for the Manhattan Lightweight Tackle Football team.

I have been coaching within the Manhattan football program for several years, previously serving as a Special Teams Coach and Defensive Line Coach at the Super Lightweight level, as well as coaching flag football prior to that. In addition to football, I have coached youth softball and baseball, giving me experience working with athletes of all ages and skill levels.

My coaching philosophy is centered around player development, with the understanding that winning naturally follows when fundamentals are taught the right way. I am competitive by nature, but I also believe there are important lessons to be learned through both wins and losses. What matters most to me is effort, discipline, fundamentals, and teamwork.

I expect players to give their full attention, commit to the team, and most importantly, have fun. I coach all players with the same approach - stern when needed, but always fun and energetic. I make it a point to recognize and congratulate players for both successful plays and strong effort, as confidence is built through encouragement, involvement, and active listening.

Safety is a top priority in my program. I emphasize proper tackling and blocking techniques, focusing on fundamentals and technique over aggression. I work closely with my assistant coaches to ensure strong communication, structure, and careful consideration of each player’s safety and best possible position on the field.

Practices will be organized and efficient, using station-based drills, proper rotations, and consistent reps to maximize development and keep players engaged.

What keeps me coming back year after year is the kids. Being called “Coach” outside of football, seeing their excitement, and watching their confidence grow is incredibly rewarding. My family and I have been active members of the Manhattan community since moving here four years ago, and I’m proud to continue giving back through coaching.

I’m looking forward to a great season focused on growth, teamwork, and building a positive football experience for every player.

Joseph Bzdyl

Junior Varsity Head Coach

Joseph Bzdyl—Coach Biz—brings a deep love of the game and a strong commitment to youth development to the field. He was a starting offensive tackle on the revered 1997 Lincoln-Way Knights football team and went on to start four years before graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University.

After college, Joe married his wife Miranda, and together they began raising their family. In 2021, they returned to the Lincoln-Way area with their three children, reconnecting with the community that helped shape him. Since then, Joseph has dedicated his free time to pursuing his passion for coaching and mentoring young athletes.

Coach Biz has coached multiple seasons of youth baseball and football, including serving as last year’s JV Head Coach. He believes athletics are a powerful tool for teaching life lessons and building character both on and off the field.

Coach Biz emphasizes three core priorities for his players: effort, attitude, and focus. He strives to create a positive, disciplined environment where athletes work hard, support their teammates, and grow as competitors and individuals.

Joe Regan

Varsity Head Coach

Hi, I’m Coach Joe—a father, football coach, and youth performance coach with a lifelong passion for developing high-level competitors. Football has been part of my life in nearly every role: IHSA State Champion with the Lincoln-Way Knights (1997), youth and high school coach, and IHSA football official. The game has shaped how I teach, lead, and prepare athletes.

For more than 26 years, I’ve helped athletes understand that success is built through discipline, mindset, and consistent effort. My focus is preparing youth athletes to be ready for high school football—physically strong, fundamentally sound, and mentally confident—so they can step into the next level ready to compete from day one.

Football & Performance Background

  • 1997 IHSA State Championship – Lincoln-Way Knights
  • 25 years coaching football
    • 18 years youth (8th grade) – Manhattan & Mokena
    • 7 years high school – Lincoln-Way Central (1999, 2012–2017)
  • 6 years IHSA Football Official
  • 13+ years fitness & performance professional