X

For the 2023 football season, Avon will see a new head coach take charge of the football program. The Pirates welcome new head coach, Justin Lukkes. Lukkes is a 2003 graduate of Avon High School. He grew up on a farm outside of Dante, and then moved to Avon when he started high school. Lukkes was very involved in Avon sports, being a part of the football, basketball, track, golf, baseball, and swim teams growing up. After graduation, Justin attended Mitchell Technical College where he majored in architectural design and building construction. Lukkes has been teaching high school shop and welding classes in Avon and Tripp/Delmont for the last four years. He was asked by his high school coach, Tom Oster if he would be interested in coaching; he has been coaching junior high football and assisting with the high school team since 2005. Justin coaches to teach a game that he has always loved to play. He wants to be able to try to provide kids with a great experience like the one he had growing up. He sees part of his job as teaching life lessons to his players. Justin believes in teaching the game right, playing it the right way, and teamwork. Lukkes was inspired by his first football coaches, Tom Oster and Pat Mikkonen. They inspired his love for the game. This first year as head coach, Lukkes plans to focus on the basics by just keeping it simple, allowing the kids to do what they know and do best. He describes himself as more of an old school coach. He likes the team to run the ball more than passing. Lukkes has played almost every position on the field at one time or another and is a student of the game himself who loves the history of football. The assistant coach for the Avon Pirates is Brad Bierema. The volunteer coaches are Devin Tolsma, Dan Fathke and Marshall Faulkner. Last year’s record was 5-5. A successful season to Coach Lukkes is not all about winning. Winning is always a goal, but as long as the players learned, played hard, and did their best then it will always be a successful season, no matter the record. The most rewarding aspects of being a coach has been seeing kids reach their personal goals and when players come to him after graduating thanking him for his guidance and help. A typical practice for the Pirates includes stretching, agility drills, 5-man sled, 1-man sled, special teams and then running offense or defense. Coach Lukkes is always open to talking with any parents that have questions or concerns and is very honest about what his expectations from them and their kids. He plans on garnering community support by continuing to do the same things that the Avon football program has been doing. Doing things the right way, helping with concessions at tournaments, and being good student athletes. Justin is the son of Lenny and Twila Lukkes of Avon. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, playing softball, watching football and throwing dart league. He has many hobbies including football and sports in general, hunting, shooting, and helping his dad with their construction company. He is a big supporter of Avon students and attends many school activities. He is a very active member of the community. Lukkes is a member of the Avon Legion, Wagner VFW, and the Wagner 155th National Guard Unit. He has been a part of the National Guard for over 20 years. Lukkes is currently a Sergeant, and his National Guard job is a carpenter mason. Congratulations on your new position and may you and your team have a very successful season.