Featured Story /// Chris Hentges
Helias Coach Chris Hentges Says This Year Will Be
His Last
Story By: Kevin Kelly Photography By: Helias Catholic
you hear the words “it’s time” and “you know when it’s time”. After more than 40 years of being a part of the football program at Helias High School, head coach Chris Hentges says this season will be his last. “I think every coach knows when that time is drawing near,” said Hent- ges. “It has slowly crept up on me the past two years. At the end of each to retire yet, and I wanted to be 100% sure of my decision. With turning peace with my decision to retire at the end of this season.” been a ball boy, statistician, player, position coach, coordinator and it has truly been one of the greatest joys of my life,” said Hentges. The Hentges name is intertwined throughout the fabric of Helias football. Chris Hentges bleeds blue and gold. Chris played for his father, Hall of Fame coach Ray Hentges, in the early 1980s. Chris was a two-time All-State running back and was an All-American in 1983. That year he rushed for 1,606 yards, a school record that still stands today. He also owns the school re-
20 /// September 2026
cord for career rushing yards (2,735). “It meant the world to me to have my father as my coach,” said Hentges. “Some days were tough, highlights of my life.” After high school, Hentges played college football at Iowa State, but he says there was no doubt what he wanted to do after college. His dream came true in 1993 when he returned to Helias to teach and be at Helias in 2006. Then after stepping away from the role in 2010, Hentges came back for a second stint as head coach in 2018. “My career path was set in my mind at a very young age,” said footsteps as Helias Catholic head football coach. I had to wait until years, and I am so grateful to have been given a second chance to lead this program. The past eight seasons have been memorable.” After the 2010 football season, Chris Hentges stepped away as the giving so much to the program that he felt he needed to step back for his health and family. But he admits he missed leading the program. “When I decided to come back in 2018, I felt called to do so,” said Hentges. “The program was struggling, and I wanted to get it back
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