Lewis appoints Planek to run its sports programs

Lewis University officials have hired Dr. John Planek as the Romeoville schools’ director of Athletics.

Planek has held similar roles at DePaul and Loyola University, and Lewis President Brother James Gaffney, FSC, said those experiences were important factors in hiring Planek.

“The director of Athletics position was highly sought by numerous qualified applicants, but Dr. John Planek stood out among them,” Brother James said in a statement. “His extensive background serving at other fine Catholic institutions, such as DePaul and Loyola, and his dedication to the total development of student-athletes, including their academic success and character growth, makes him a perfect fit for not only our University community, but also our mission.”

Planek spent 12 years as the director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Loyola. Before his arrival on the Rogers Park campus, he was the director of Athletics at Saint Ignatius Prep from 1997-99. Planek made the move to Saint Ignatius following 13 years as the associate/assistant director of Athletics at DePaul University (1984-97).

“I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to work with the student-athletes, coaches and administration at Lewis University,” Planek said. “I hope to build upon the great success Lewis has had as one of the premier NCAA Division II programs in the nation.”