Warren, Mich. -- De La Salle Collegiate is moving into the fall with a new-look athletic department, spearheaded by the appointment of varsity football head coach Dan Rohn as the school’s new athletic director.

Rohn, who guided the Pilots to an appearance in the MHSAA Division 2 state championship game in his first year at De La Salle this past season, previously served as the athletic director at Grand Rapids West Catholic from 2007-15. During that same span, he recorded a 99-19 mark as head coach of West Catholic, leading the Falcons to the postseason each year and capturing four state championships, including three in a row from 2013-15.

Rounding out the revamped athletic department staff will be Dennis Parks and Andy Crowley -- each in the role of associate athletic director -- Tyler Alwardt as director of strength and performance, Alex Idziak as assistant director of strength and performance, Vito Chirco as sports information director, Nicole Zarucki as director of athletic training and Rich Roskopp as facilities coordinator of the Brother Robert Activity Center (BRAC).  

"I wanted to make sure I surrounded myself with a staff committed to excellence on and off the playing field, and I believe I have accomplished that with this staff," Rohn said. "Developing great student-athletes who understand the mission of De La Salle and the Lasallian values emphasized by the school will be the goal of the athletic department moving forward."

Parks, who is entering his first year as associate athletic director and associate admissions director, started at De La Salle in 2005 as the head coach of the varsity wrestling program. He was hired as a full-time faculty and staff member at the school in January of 2008, becoming De La Salle’s technology director. For the 2020-21 school year, Parks served as the Pilots’ interim athletic director.

Crowley started at De La Salle in the winter of 2016, coaching varsity football. In the fall of 2016, he started teaching physical education and health. He also coached junior varsity baseball during that same school year. He transitioned into the role of associate athletic director in the fall of 2018, and originally served in the role until July 2020. He’s now back in the role of associate AD, and also serves as the associate head coach of the varsity football program.

Alwardt is entering his first season as the Pilots' defensive backs coach and director of strength and performance. He was previously the defensive coordinator for the freshman football team at his alma mater Chippewa Valley (2014), as well as the defensive backs coach for the varsity program at Chippewa Valley (2015-20), including during the school's state championship-winning season in 2018. Since 2015, he's also conducted speed, strength and agility training sessions, with both individuals and groups.

Idziak, who is entering her first year as assistant director of strength and performance, has been an athlete-specific yoga teacher and movement specialist since 2018. She has extensive knowledge of the human body, and is passionate about helping athletes enhance their bodies’ capabilities and avoid injuries. Idziak works with many elite NFL and Division I college athletes, specializing in ability-specific needs, strength, breathwork and recovery. 

Chirco, a class of 2011 graduate of De La Salle, has been a full-time staff member at the school since joining the Advancement Department in April this year. Since graduating from De La Salle, he has written for and contributed to a variety of media outlets, including the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Sports Podcast Network and most recently, Sports Illustrated’s Detroit Lions team channel, SI All Lions. Presently, Chirco serves as the senior writer and deputy editor of SI All Lions. He joined the De La Salle Athletic Department this summer in the capacity of Sports Information Director. 

Zarucki joined De La Salle in the fall of 2014 as the certified athletic trainer on staff. She obtained her degree in sports medicine from Central Michigan University, and has been practicing since 2001. She is affiliated with the Ascension St. John Sports Medicine Program, and works quickly to facilitate appointments for injured athletes. She has a very extensive injury prevention and recognition background, and is trained in the most up-to-date rehabilitative methods. She is dedicated to the success, health and well-being of the student-athlete.

Roskopp, who is heading into his 29th year of coaching, joined De La Salle in 2015, working at the welcome desk at the school. He then joined the football staff in 2016, serving as the freshman offensive line coach. In 2019, Roskopp took over as the head coach of the junior varsity football program. Then, in 2020, he was hired to manage the BRAC facility. Additionally, this past school year, he coached the freshman baseball team.