By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
PINEVILLE – Dennis Dunn is now pulling double duty at Louisiana College.
The head football coach of the school for the past seven seasons, Dunn was named athletic director in April. He will remain as football coach and replaces Darrell Payne, who stepped down as athletic director after three years to return to practicing law in Cincinnati, Ohio.
“We are sad to see Darrell leaving the LC family but we are excited to see what Dennis will do with his new position as athletic director,” said Argile Smith, who will be serving as interim president June 1. “The decision to appoint Dennis was one that was carefully thought out between Dr. Aguillard and myself. We simply could not imagine a better fit for our Athletics program at Louisiana College.”
Dunn has led the Wildcat football program to a 45-23 record in his past seven seasons as head coach. In his tenure at LC, Dunn has seen an amazing 93% graduation rate from his players, one of the highest such marks in the country.
In 1992, Dunn took over at Evangel Christian Academy and turned the Eagles into one of the most successful high school programs in the nation. During his 14 years at Evangel, his teams won 14 district championships, nine state championships, and one USA Today nation championship in 1999.
“Leaving Louisiana College to return to my home in Cincinnati to practice law was not an easy decision,” said Darrell Payne. “Dr. Aguillard and I have known for a good while about my move and have been talking over the course of the past year about growing our athletic department and my desire to return home to practice law. Dennis will be a great fit for the athletic program and I am excited to cheer him on in his new role.”
Dunn will maintain his role as Head Football coach for the Wildcats while fulfilling the duties of Athletic Director.
“I am thrilled and very thankful to both Dr. Aguillard and Dr. Smith for allowing me this opportunity to serve in this capacity,” said Dunn. “I look forward to continuing the rich tradition of Louisiana College athletics as well as addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with the job.