The Tigers’ Path to Dominance in Illinois Football Stems from Years of Great Coaching and Community Few high school football programs can rival the storied history of Wheaton Warrenville South, where success, innovation, and community pride have built a dynasty. With 11 state championship appearances and six state titles, the Tigers have long been a benchmark for excellence in Illinois high school football. Behind the trophies are legendary coaches like Phil Hopkins, John Thorne, and Ron Muhitch, as well as standout players like Jon Beutjer and Tim Lester, who have carried the program’s values into their careers and lives.

For Jon Beutjer, the Wheaton Warrenville South tradition began long before he suited up as quarterback. As a young boy, he and his brother served as ball boys for the team, getting a firsthand look at the program’s inclusive culture.

“Coach Thorne always made everyone feel like they were part of the program,” Beutjer recalled.

“I’ll never forget being introduced at a school assembly and running out with the players when I was just in third or fourth grade. That level of inclusion made the program special.”

From those early days on the sideline, Beutjer dreamed of donning the orange and black, a dream he fulfilled in spectacular fashion.

The Tigers’ success wasn’t just about individual talent—it was a product of a collaborative and unified approach, a hallmark of the program since Phil Hopkins joined the staff. Hopkins, who worked alongside Thorne and Muhitch, helped create an environment where athletes thrived across multiple sports, fostering well-rounded athletes and strong team unity. Lester reflected,“What do they say it takes a village? We had a village.”

“Our sophomore football coach was also the varsity basketball coach, and Coach Thorne even coached freshman basketball,” Lester explained. “They coordinated schedules to ensure players could compete in multiple sports, which made us better all-around athletes.”

This holistic approach fostered a culture of excellence that extended beyond football. “It wasn’t just about the Xs and Os,” Beutjer said. “It was about being part of something bigger—a program that taught discipline, teamwork, and respect.”

Under John Thorne and Phil Hopkins' leadership, Wheaton Warrenville South was a trailblazer in high school football. The Tigers adopted cutting-edge offensive strategies, including spread formations and quarterback audibles, which were rare at the time.

“My senior year, Coach Thorne let me change plays at the line based on what I saw,” Beutjer said. “That freedom kept defenses guessing and gave us an edge.”

In 1998, Beutjer led the Tigers to a perfect 14-0 season and a state championship, setting multiple offensive records. The offense was unstoppable, and Beutjer’s chemistry with his receivers, built over years of playing together in youth football, was a key factor. “We started playing together in second or third grade,” Beutjer said. “By the time we got to high school, we always knew where my receivers would be.”

While the Tigers’ offensive innovation was groundbreaking, it was the life lessons imparted by Thorne and Hopkins that left the most lasting impact. “Coach Thorne was a man of integrity who developed us as people first, football players second,” Beutjer said. “He always stressed setting high goals and never giving up.”

Lester, who went on to have both an NFL and collegiate coaching career, carries those lessons into his own philosophy. “The biggest thing I try to teach is resilience,” he said. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Fail fast and move on. That mentality prepares you for life’s challenges.”

Wheaton Warrenville South’s dominance from 1992 to 2010 saw the Tigers win six state titles, establishing themselves as one of Illinois’ elite programs. By the time Beutjer’s team captured its championship, the Tigers had already laid a foundation of excellence, having won three previous state titles.

The program’s success was a collective effort, with strong support from parents and the community. “The whole community was behind us,” Beutjer said. “Parents organized team meals and made sure we always felt supported. That made a huge difference.”

For players like Beutjer and Lester, being a Tiger was about more than football—it was about becoming better people. “Wheaton Warrenville South prepared us not just for the next level in sports but for life,” Beutjer said.

With its foundation of hard work, innovation, and unity, Wheaton Warrenville South football remains a shining example of what a high school program can achieve. As Beutjer put it, “The legacy of this program isn’t just the championships—it’s the people it shapes and the values it instills.”