Mahomet-Seymour football to honor former coach, Frank Dutton

MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) — High school football is kicking off, and it’s going to be a special one for Mahomet-Seymour. They’ll be honoring long-time coach Frank Dutton after he passed away this past spring .

Their helmets will have two decals on them for every home game. One will have his name on it, the other “77.”

In 1977, Mahomet-Seymour won the state championship under his leadership. It’s the only time the school has won at that level.

Jon Adkins, the team’s current head coach, described Dutton as “Mr. Mahomet.” He said when anyone hears the phrase “Bulldog football,” they think of him and his legacy. It’s one Adkins hopes the team and coaching staff and carry on with this small gesture.

“If this is the way we can honor him and his legacy, I think this is the least we can do. I wish there was more we could do,” Adkins said.

The coaching staff will also wear pins at each game to honor him. On Friday, Aug. 30’s home game, there will be a moment of silence before kick-off and his wife will be given a commemorative helmet.

Adkins also reflected on the stories past players and coaches have told about Dutton. He knows the former coach left a long-lasting impact on the community.

“Just about how hard he was and how tough he was on the kids and what he demanded out of them,” Adkins said. “But then he loved them even harder.”

If you are at a Mahomet-Seymour game this season, you’ll notice a plaque and photo honoring him as you enter the stadium. The field is named after him as well.

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