In recognition of a distinguished coaching career, retired Valparaiso coach, teacher, and administrator Mark Hoffman has been selected for induction into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association's prestigious National Hall of Fame in a ceremony that will take place in Bismarck, ND, on June 25th, 2024. This honor pays tribute to coaches who have not only excelled on the field but have also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their athletes, schools, communities, and states. Coach “Hoff” amassed a remarkable list of accolades throughout his journey to the National Hall of Fame. Most recently, his commitment to coaching was acknowledged with the American Football Coaches Association Service Award in 2022 and induction into the Valparaiso High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021. He ruled the Viking football sidelines for 35 years (1977-2011), building on the program’s legacy. His 237-153 record as head coach includes a pair of state runner-up finishes (1985, 2002), six regional titles, and six Duneland Athletic Conference championships. He was a 25-year-old assistant coach when the Vikings won the 1975 Class 3A state championship. Among his many honors, he was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2006. He was named Region I Coach of the Year by the Indiana Football Coaches Association 11 times. Hoffman was also the boys track head coach (1987-97), boys track assistant (1973-76 and 1981-86), and girls track assistant coach (2002-08). His boys track teams had a dual-triangular record of 94-4, winning six DAC titles, seven sectionals, and 11 Valpo Relays. Coach Hoffman finished his career at VHS as athletic director in 2011-12. Throughout his tenure, he taught health and physical education and led the school’s intramural programs for 26 years. Hoffman started the VHS weightlifting program in 1977 and was the youngest president of the Indiana Football Coaches Association in 1985 at age 35. Among other honors, he represented Indiana at the NFL Summit Conference in 2007, in 2010 was the Indiana Football Coach of the Year and the IHSAA nominee for National Coach of the Year, and coached in the North-South All-Star games as an assistant (1980, 1988, 1999, 2010) and as head coach (2011). A 1968 Andrean graduate, Hoffman was an offensive tackle and played in the North-South All-Star game. He was a three-year starter at Butler, earning his bachelor’s in 1972 and master’s degree in 1977. He and his wife, Sue, have been married for 53 years. They have a daughter, Heather (Tim) Walker, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. As we celebrate Coach Mark Hoffman's induction into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association's National Hall of Fame, we recognize not just the victories on the field but the impact of a coach whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of Vikings. Congratulations, Coach Hoffman, on this well-deserved honor!