(Boise, ID) – Capital High School football coach Todd Simis is the first “Be True to Your School” award winner, presented by Commercial Tire and Cooper Tires.

The following are excerpts from the nominations of Coach Simis, whose team is 4-0 and the top-ranked 5A football team in Idaho:

“Coach Simis has a winning program because he is committed to coaching the whole student, not just cultivating a strong player.”

“He regularly recognizes effort and applauds kids who make the commitment even if they are not kids that play a great deal.”

“Every player knows he is an asset to the team and ‘FAMILY’ is the bond the teammates have for each other and with ALL the coaches.”

Coach Simis will be a guest of the Idaho Steelheads on Wednesday, October 27, to be recognized on-ice for his award.  Throughout the season, coaches will be invited to be recognized at Steelheads hockey games and Idaho Stampede basketball games at Qwest Arena.

The “Be True to Your School” program allows local fans to nominate a deserving high school athletics coach for recognition.  The winning coaches will be invited to a game at Qwest Arena to be honored and the athletics department at the winner’s school will receive a $750 donation from Commercial Tires and Cooper Tire.  In all, $15,000 will be donated to area schools.

To nominate a coach for the award, visit the Commercial Tire website and click on the “Be True to Your School” logo.  Fill out the nomination form and click “Submit Form.”  Once you’ve done that, your coach has officially been nominated.  One winner per week will be selected through February 12, 2011.

Commercial Tire and Cooper Tires are working together with the ECHL’s Steelheads and NBA Development League’s Stampede on the “Be True to Your School” promotion.

The Steelheads open the regular season on October 15 when they host the Victoria Salmon Kings at Qwest Arena.  Ticket plans for the 2010-2011 season are available right now, starting at just $275 per seat for all 36 home games during the regular season.  Partial-season plans are also available.  Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 or log on to www.idahosteelheads.com for more information.