Westminster names Chris Helbig new head football coach; emphasizes mentorship and attendance

Chris Helbig, a former high‑school all‑state quarterback and player in NFL Europe, was introduced in the district's opening report as the new head football coach. Helbig told the board he values mentoring and building character as much as winning. "For me, it's about building good humans," he said. He described football as a vehicle for teaching hard work, resilience and the importance of showing up to class. Helbig recounted his football career, saying he played at Holy Family High School and later spent three years playing and living in Madrid, Spain; Potsdam, Germany; and Vienna, Austria. He described the experience as "eye opening" and said it shaped his patience and perspective. Dr. Gatto included Helbig in a district publication called Inspire, which profiles staff and programs and is being distributed to schools and businesses across the region. Why it matters: The coach framed his role narrowly as mentor and educator, tying athletic participation to attendance and academic habits the superintendent identified as district priorities. The board offered congratulations; no hiring vote or contract terms were discussed during the Aug. 12 meeting.