Fremd Names New Head Football Coach

Lou Sponsel will take over as head football coach at Fremd High School, replacing Mike Donatucci who is retiring after 19 years as the Vikings' head coach.

Sponsel has served as assistant under Donatucci, working as the teams head strength and conditioning coach. He also has worked with the offensive line, running backs and special teams.

"He is a great pick," Donatucci said. "He is a product of our program and really embodies all that we have done the last 19 years."

Sponsel graduated from Fremd in 1995 and played on Donatucci's first state playoff team. He was named all-state as a linebacker. Sponsel has taught at Fremd since 2003. Since returning to Fremd, Sponsel has spearheaded school spirit initiatives such as student black-outs at athletic events.

"He is very intelligent and has a high football IQ," Donatucci said. "And he has a great rapport with the students."

Donatucci coached his final season as Fremd . He has worked in District 211 for 33 years and is retiring. Fremd finished 4-5 in 2011, in the state playoffs.

Donatucci finished his career as Fremd football coach with a record of 137-63.

Donatucci said he still adjusting to the idea of retirement. Although he is leaving Fremd, Donatucci could end up coaching somewhere else in the fall. He said he has opportunities and is mulling his options.

"It's difficult, it really is," Donatucci said. "But, I see the staff that's coming in and I know they are going to be great. It's sort of like giving away your kid, but you know you are giving them away to a good family."

Sponsel earned his bachelor's degree (2002) and his master's degree (2009) in physical education from Northern Illinois University where he played fullback for the Huskies, a press release from Fremd states.

From 2000-2002 Sponsel served as a student assistant coach at NIU, working with running backs. Aside from football, Sponsel also has been an assistant track coach since 2009, and was an assistant lacrosse coach from 2003 to 2008.

"Lou Sponsel is a multi-faceted coach whose passion for helping teenagers be successful on the field and in life is a powerful asset when inspiring-athletes and leading a football program," Fremd High School Principal Lisa Small stated in a press release. "His plan for the future of Fremd football merges our current strengths with his vision for a first-class, winning program."