Luke Lokanc has worked hard for his chance to be the varsity head coach of a high school football program.
That door officially opened Thursday night as Lokanc, 36, was named Lincoln-Way West’s head coach.
He takes over for Dave Ernst, who resigned after compiling a 65-27 record in eight seasons with the Warriors.
“Take every emotion there is, and that’s what the feeling was when I was told I got the job,” Lokanc said. “I’m grateful, excited and then, yes, a little nervous. I’m so appreciative for the opportunity.”
Lokanc was the defensive coordinator under Ernst for the past eight seasons. Before that, Lokanc was an assistant coach at Lincoln-Way Central for five years.
A 2001 Providence graduate and a married father of three children, it’s safe to say Lokanc was born to be a football coach.
His father, Larry, has coached for nearly 50 years, with stops as an assistant at Sandburg, Providence and Lincoln-Way West.
His grandfather, Al, coached at Eisenhower from 1961 to 1968 before becoming its athletic director.
Larry and Luke have worked together on the defensive side of the ball for those eight seasons at Lincoln-Way West.
That will continue, even though Luke will now be the boss — at least on the football field.
“My dad has seen it all,” Lokanc said. “He’ll be a great help to me as a head coach. Our relationship has grown tremendously the last eight years. We’re pretty tight.”
Lokanc also has a tight relationship with Ernst, who intends to stay on the staff as the offensive coordinator.
“Our relationship goes back to when I was 9 or 10 years old,” Lokanc said. “I would attend Providence youth camps when he was a coach there.
“I wouldn’t want anyone else to be able to lean on. I plan on keeping him around as long as I can.”
The Warriors (5-5) are coming off an injury-plagued season, but a good nucleus returns, led by junior quarterback Evan Wydajewski and sophomore receiver/running back Jason Harris.
Ernst believes Lokanc, who was a defensive back and wide receiver at Providence before playing at Winona State, is ready to lead the program to greater heights.
“Luke will be outstanding,” Ernst said. “He’s waited patiently for this chance. He knows how to connect with kids. He knows the game and is an excellent teacher of the game. The program is in good hands.”