Patrick Murray, President & Head Coach
President, Humboldt Park Patriots
Head Coach, Roberto Clemente Community Academy
Co-Founder, Chicago Football Academy
Patrick Murray is the soul of football on Chicago’s West Side. A humble giant in the world of youth development, Patrick serves as the President of the Humboldt Park Patriots and the Head Coach at Roberto Clemente High School — roles that perfectly reflect his dual commitment to community and competition. While other programs chase clout, Coach Murray builds character. While others talk about pipelines, he became one.
For over a decade, Coach Murray has mentored kids on the same stretch of Division Street, where football isn’t just a sport — it’s a lifeline. He built the bridge from neighborhood sandlots to the IHSA playoffs, coaching with grit, compassion, and a deep understanding of what these young athletes truly need: structure, consistency, and someone who shows up.
That steady presence paid off. Clemente High School made a triumphant return to the playoffs with a core built from Humboldt Park Patriots alumni — four of whom earned All-Conference honors. None of them had to be recruited from the suburbs. They were raised right here. And they were ready, because Coach Murray made sure they would be.
Patrick doesn’t crave the spotlight. He leads from the front and lets the work speak for itself. But now, as the Patriots secure their first permanent home field and the Chicago Football Academy begins to take shape, his name is becoming synonymous with what’s possible when football is done right in the city.
He is a coach, a mentor, and a movement-maker — setting the tone for the future of football in Chicago. The next generation of players, coaches, and community leaders will follow the blueprint he lives out every day: integrity, humility, and relentless love for the kids.
Dale Crawford, Vice President & Head Coach 13U
Coach Dale Crawford grew up in Austin, Texas, where he played high school football under the Friday night lights — an experience that shaped his deep love for the game. He began volunteer coaching over 20 years ago while attending Texas State University, recognizing early on the power of football to build character and teach life lessons. After earning his MBA from DePaul University, Dale settled in Humboldt Park in 2018, where he has since become a driving force in the local football community. As Vice President and 13U head coach of the Humboldt Park Patriots, Dale is committed to teaching the game the right way — with a focus on fundamentals, discipline, and teamwork. His leadership has helped keep the Patriots program accessible to all kids, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to playing the game and learning the lessons it offers both on and off the field.
Craig Russell, Head Coach 11U
Coach Craig’s journey began in 2011 when he came across an ad in his college newspaper looking for volunteer coaches and he’s been dedicated to the craft ever since. His passion for coaching is fueled by two driving forces: a deep love for the game football, which started with his first snap as a Douglas County Dolphin and carried through his high school years at Odessa Permian and Air Academy, and a strong commitment to positively impacting the lives of young athletes. Craig’s coaching philosophy centers around athletic development, but with a greater emphasis on personal growth, helping athletes build confidence, resilience, a strong work ethic, emotional intelligence, and a love for continuous learning. In 2020, Craig moved to Chicago and found his forever football family with the Humboldt Park Patriots.
Nathan Gavzer, Offensive & Defensive Line Coach
Coach G is excited to return for his second year with the Humboldt Park Patriots. He brings a wealth of coaching experience, currently serving as a math teacher and offensive & defensive line coach at Schurz High School. Before that, he spent seven years teaching and coaching at Clemente High School.
A former three-year starter on the offensive line at Illinois Wesleyan University, Coach G understands firsthand the dedication and teamwork required to succeed in football. He believes the sport is the ultimate team game—an opportunity for players to develop teamwork, build relationships, and practice good sportsmanship. While outcomes matter, Coach G emphasizes the importance of hard work, self-improvement, and perseverance both on and off the field.
Beyond football, Coach G also coaches wrestling, shot put, and discus. When he’s not on the field or in the classroom, he enjoys cooking (and eating!) and exploring the outdoors with his family.