Rick Reinhart, a Hall of Fame high school football coach with more than 50 years of experience, has taken on his first head‑coaching role at Alton High. The school announced his appointment in March, ending a brief retirement that followed his tenure as quarterbacks coach at the same institution.
The Redbirds have endured a rough patch, compiling a 9‑50 record over the past several seasons and not posting a winning record since 2017, when they finished 6‑5 and advanced to the IHSA playoffs under former coach Eric Dickerson.
Reinhart’s return marks a symbolic homecoming. He previously coached at Civic Memorial, Marquette, Tuscola and Collinsville, building a reputation for disciplined, hard‑nosed teams. His decision to step back into a head‑coaching position was driven by a desire to rebuild the Alton program from the ground up.
Emphasis on Fundamentals
At the core of Reinhart’s philosophy are sacrifice, dedication and preparation. He insists that success will not come from flashy schemes but from mastering the basics — blocking, tackling, and the mental toughness required to compete week after week.
The coaching staff he has assembled blends experience with fresh energy. Alongside Reinhart, assistants John Steen, Brian Byrd, Brandon Drake, Josh Lovings, Ryan Hubbard, Keith Gilchrese, Jaxon Karnoski and Cole McKey will guide a senior class that includes more than 20 returning players who have already tasted success at lower levels.
Community support has also been a bright spot. Parents have rallied around the team, offering volunteer help and enthusiasm that Reinhart says will be crucial as the squad works to translate practice intensity into game‑day results.
The season opens on August 21 against Belleville West, a matchup that will serve as the first test of Reinhart’s revamped system. While the road ahead is challenging, the coach remains optimistic that a focus on fundamentals and a committed coaching staff can turn the tide for Alton football.