Lifelong Crusader DeCeuninck Starts 2011-12 As LCN Athletic Coordinator

I challenge you to find a prouder Crusader then Doug DeCeuninck.

The 1987 graduate is the new athletic coordinator for the school, replacing the previous athletic director and assistant principal, Kim Rawski. Rawski remains in the building tackling her new position as associate principal. 

In his new capacity, DeCeuninck will report directly to both the building principal and district athletic director Dave Jackson. Jackson oversees the athletic coordinators for both high schools and three middle schools.

Although DeCeuninck's new position began Aug. 1, he has been a regular fixture at the Crusaders' playing fields, pool deck and gym for more than 28 years. He's held many positions in the school's athletic department, including 12 years as athletic facilitator, and beamed with pride when I asked him to elaborate on his background for this story.  

"I graduated from L'Anse Creuse North in 1987 and basically have never left," DeCeuninck said. "I've been an assistant in the athletic department since eighth grade; that's 28 years! I like to call it 'the world's longest mentoring program.' I started working here while I was in high school, assisting Jerry Donnelly with running the softball team. When they reorganized the athletic duties here at LCN this summer, I guess they figured that I was the perfect candidate to take over." 

Not only has DeCeuninck worked at the school for 28 years, he's also been a fan for 28 years.

"I've only missed four home games since eighth grade," DeCeuninck said. "Some of the coaches I know really well here joke about it. I've literally only missed four games. This includes freshman and JV games, too, that have a gate. I have five daughters at home and have joked with my wife through the years to hurry through deliveries so I can make the games."

DeCeuninck does not expect many changes to take place under his reign. 

"We've run a pretty smooth department through the years so as of now there won't be a lot of changes made," DeCeuninck said. "Our operations and the service we provide was established by the former athletic directors. We have a good reputation around the league for doing the right things so we've kept with the same program. We meet teams when they come off the bus, we meet the officials when they arrive and we try to make the visiting teams feel as at home when they're here as when they are actually at home."   

Moving forward, DeCeuninck hopes to establish a LCN Hall of Fame to recognize and celebrate student athletes' achievements, perhaps in the hallway between the gym and the pool. In addition, DeCeuninck and parent volunteers have been busy organizing and compiling the official school records book.

"I'm looking forward to the actual games the most," DeCeunick said of his new position. "I want to encourage the kids to enjoy the school spirit now while they are still here. My message to them is realize it now, enjoy it now, be proud of it now. When you are putting on the black and gold uniform, realize what it means. Play with the pride and it will make a big difference on how you perform. Remember that you are playing for the Crusader Nation."