By Bobby Narang
Mike Dunn is in the next chapter in his coaching career.
His next stop won’t require an introduction.
Dunn stepped down from his position as Yorkville High School’s boys basketball coach July 14 to accept the head boys basketball coaching job at York High School in Elmhurst.
Dunn’s family has a long and rich history with York, dating back to the school’s first varsity season in 1920-21. His decision to accept the York coaching position is natural choice consideration his family’s deep ties to the Elmhurst public school.
His great-great grandfather, Clarence D. East, was a pioneer at York. He coached the school’s first varsity football, basketball and baseball teams beginning in 1920-1921, then became York’s first boys track and boys swimming coach in a 36-tenure that included teacher and athletic director.
In addition, his father, Mike Dunn, was the first varsity football coach at Aurora Central Catholic.
“I certainly have a lot of ties to York,” Dunn said. “A lot of my family members grew up in Elmhurst, so I have deep family ties, heritage, and a legacy with York. That made the job very attractive to me. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, for myself, wife, and young daughter. It’s a dream come true. I’m so excited for this opportunity. My family’s tradition goes back 100 years with York. I’m excited to be a part of it. That excites and intrigues me.”
In a 14-year tenure that included five years leading the Yorkville boys basketball program, Dunn made a memorable mark. He built a solid winning culture and won 64 games, including the program’s first conference championship since 2005.
But Dunn said the chance to lead York’s program was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Dunn said his friendship with former York head basketball coach Vince Doran, who stepped down in May, was a big factor in his decision to interview for the job. Under Doran, the Dukes posted the best back-to-back seasons in program history, by winning 57 games over the last two seasons.
“I’ve been friends with Vince for a long time,” Dunn said. “We both run similar programs, and I’m excited for the challenge. We do a lot of the same stuff and culture is very important.”
Dunn acknowledged it’s difficult to leave Yorkville, but he’s motivated for the challenge of coaching the Dukes.
“This is a new chapter in my life,” Dunn said. “I’m looking forward to being a leader and mentor.”