After 20 seasons, Glenbard East's Lueck opts to step aside
When Glenbard East's football team was eliminated from playoff contention in Week 8 of the regular season, Rams coach Dennis Lueck already started thinking about the off-season preparations awaiting him.
After 20 years something felt different.
"I just didn't have the energy to get it going again," he said.
With that in mind, Lueck made the decision to resign as Glenbard East's head football coach after 20 years at the helm and a 72-141 career record. Lueck surprised his players and their parents by making the announcement at the program's football banquet Tuesday night.
One by one, Lueck said, each of the varsity players lined up to give a farewell hug to their departing coach, who leaves as the senior football coach in the DuPage Valley Conference. Wheaton Warrenville South coach Ron Muhitch, promoted from the Tigers' defensive coordinator position in 2002, becomes the DVC's most-tenured head coach.
Lueck estimates he coached about 1,500 players and worked with 32 assistant coaches under five athletic directors and five principals during his 20 years.
The Rams' only playoff appearance came in 1999 when they went 6-3 before upsetting New Trier, Fremd and Downers Grove North en route to the Class 6A semifinals, where they fell to eventual state champion and DVC foe Naperville Central.
Even though Glenbard East has struggled to return to the playoffs, Lueck insists that factor didn't weigh in his decision to resign.
"Some people will say it's the wins and losses, but there are so many other things involved with being head coach," he said. "This was completely my decision. No one pushed me out. I just think it's time to step aside and let someone else come in."
In a statement released by District 87, Glenbard East principal John Chambers said Lueck "is a valued member of our family and the positive impact that he has made on students during his tenure cannot be measured."
The statement also noted that the Glenbard East's "administration will be creating a timeline and process to seek a replacement."
Lueck says he will remain in coaching and mentioned being an offensive coordinator or line coach at another high school. Lueck, who coached his son, Tyler, the last two varsity seasons, also would welcome a return to the Rams' program as an assistant coach. His younger son, Jake, is a sophomore at Glenbard East.
Until a new head coach is in place, Lueck said he will continue to take care of the football program's off-season responsibilities.
"I want to leave the program in good shape," Lueck said. "I love Glenbard East and I wish nothing but the best for the program in the future."