Rossberg takes over Argo football program

By Carol McGowan

Phillip Rossberg may be the new head football coach at Argo High School, but he’s been a familiar face on the sidelines and in the classroom at the school for the last seven years.

He started working at the school in 2015, and along with being the new head football coach, he’s a certified athletic trainer for winter and spring events, and he teaches in the Health, Physical Education, and Driver’s Education Departments.

Back in 2015, Rossberg started coaching football in a volunteer position as the sophomore offensive coordinator.

“I was hired on staff in my second year where I continued as the sophomore offensive coordinator before being moved up to the varsity staff in 2018.  I spent two years on the varsity staff as a running backs and defensive backs coach before being moved up as the varsity offensive coordinator and associate head coach in 2020.  I served that role in the spring season and then this past season in 2021 before being hired for the head coaching position.”

He loves doing it all at the school.  “Some of my most enjoyable classes to teach are athletic weight training, and my freshman health and PE courses.  I feel that I can make a great impact on student-athletes attaining their goals in the weight room and their sport.  Also, with the freshmen, setting them on the right path to be successful here at Argo and moving forward.”

Rossberg is a graduate of Victor J. Andrew High School in Tinley Park, where he played football and baseball all four years.

He went on to continue his academic and athletic career at North Central College in Naperville, where he played running back for four years.

At North Central, he was selected as First Team All-CCIW Running back in 2009.

Rossberg enjoys the school and Argo community.  “Ever since I have been here at Argo, it has just felt like home to me.  I have been fortunate enough to teach in my area of study, practice as an athletic trainer after school, and coach the sport that I love and has taught me so much in my life.”

“Argo really has taught me what it is to be an educator, to truly care providing students with the tools to be successful inside and outside of the classroom.  My favorite thing is to see a student progress throughout their years at Argo and move on to start their career path.”

As the head football coach, he’s most looking forward to establishing a culture and generating sustained success.

“Our mission is about developing each student-athlete that comes through our program with values that prepare them to be a positive contributor to their family, community, and society. Developing a team approach, teaching them values such as resiliency, preparation, responsibility, and work ethic to name a few.  Our goal is to develop the student-athlete first and the success will follow.”

Rossberg says the school is working to develop a relationship with local schools and programs in the area, showing them what Argo and the Argo football program has to offer.  His advice is for younger athletes in Argo’s feeder schools, would be to get involved in as many sports as possible at a young age as it develops them to be a more well-rounded athlete.

“Get involved in the flag football and tackle programs in the area to develop your skills.”

The Argo football program will be hosting a Future Argonaut Football Camp the last week of June for fourth- to eighth-graders where they can learn from the Argo football coaching staff and varsity athletes.

Registration information will be posted on the Argo Athletics Page and Argo Football Twitter Page, @argo_football.

The school will also be hosting a Youth Program Event at the second home game of the year against Bloom Township High School.  Rossberg says it’s a great chance to get out and see what the Argo football home atmosphere is all about.

Rossberg replaces Tim Connelly as head coach. Connelly coached the Argonauts for four seasons and compiled a record of 7-23, going 4-5 last season.