<p> Shakopee Public Schools News Release</p><p>Ray Betton to Lead Saber Football</p><p>Shakopee Public Schools is pleased to announce that Ray Betton will lead Saber Football next season. The School Board, at Monday night’s meeting, approved the head coach’s contract. </p><p>Betton is currently the head coach at the Academy of Holy Angels. He took over the program in 2010 and turned it around, taking his teams to the Prep Bowl in 2013 and the state quarter-finals in 2014. Prior to Holy Angels, Betton coached at East Ridge High School and Simley High School. At Simley, he led the team to two Conference Championships in four years. "Coach Betton's past success speaks for itself,” said John Janke, Athletic Director for Shakopee Public Schools. “His energy, excitement and passion that he will bring to the program are things I’m looking forward to. I cannot wait to get him in front of our student athletes, parents, community and youth football program."</p><p>Betton says he is ready to get started. “I was extremely interested in the position because of the growth of the community and the potential to be one of the best programs in the state,” said Betton. “Shakopee has a strong youth football association and a community that’s willing to support the Shakopee Football Program. In addition, I coached against Shakopee for four years in the Missota conference and always admired their community support and pride.”</p><p>Betton is currently an RTI (Response to Intervention) Specialist at Holy Angels and the Head of Diversity there. He is also a licensed Special Education teacher. “Ray’s experience working with a wide variety of students and his desire to bring out the best in students on and off the field is one of the many things that got me excited about the future of Shakopee football,” said Julie Menden, member of the interview committee and Director of Special Services. Betton earned his Bachelor’s degree at Bemidji State and his master’s at the University of St. Thomas.</p><p>In November, head coach Jody Stone announced his resignation to make more time to return to school and work toward his administrative license. Following the resignation, the district has undergone an extensive search for his replacement. Ray Betton rose to the top. “Ray brings experience and passion to Shakopee,” said Angela Tucker, member of the interview committee and School Board member. “He is very driven and motivated to take Shakopee to thenext level. While he has great passion for the game, he has an even greater desire to ensure these students are becoming leaders in the classroom and the community.”</p>