Sports
Immaculate Conception High School Football Coach is Out After One Season
IC administrators: "We want to take the team in a different direction."
After just one season, Immaculate Conception High School varsity football coach Chris VanDyke is out.
ICHS administration issued a letter to parents Thursday.
"The administration of IC has made the decision to take the football program in a different direction," said the letter, which was signed by Principal Pam Levar, Assistant Principal Jack Doyle and Athletic Director Darren Howard.
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VanDyke was only just at IC last summer. He also doubled as defensive coordinator.
IC ended its season in the first round of the playoffs last year against Winnebago High School 29-30 after ending with a regular season record of 6-3 (4-1 in the SCC Gold).
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VanDyke previously spent 11 seasons as assistant coach at Naperville Central High School.
"We thank Coach VanDyke for all he did for the school and the program since he took over last summer," the letter continued. "We feel he brought many positive components to our program and did a great job in working with the students in the football program. Coach VanDyke is a fine man and an excellent person that we all enjoyed working with. We certainly wish him and his family nothing but success and good fortune as they move on."
The team's defensive coordinator, Bill Krefft, has been awarded the position of head football coach, effective immediately. He has been a "key person on the staffs that led IC to a second state championship in 2008 and playoff appearances in each of the last two years," the letter said.
Krefft also is an ICHS graduate and played on IC's 2002 state championship team.
"We fully believe that Coach Krefft will continue to move the football program in a positive direction and add to the storied history of IC athletics. We pledge our full support and assistance as we all move forward together in this endeavor."
The first game of the season will be Aug. 31 against Wheaton Academy at Elmhurst College. IC will graduate several key seniors this year, including Michael Lestina, James Peachey and Dan Vatch.
But last season's junior lineup, led by multi-sport athlete could make for a strong 2012-13 season.
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