Fayette, Mo. - Central Methodist University Head Football Coach Dave Brown has announced his coaching staff for 2023.
The program welcomes the following coaches; Tevin Lakes - Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs, Keith Willis-Auger - Special Teams Coordinator/Wide Receivers, Mark Konopka - Offensive Line, and Lee Tenenoff - Linebackers Coach/Recruiting Coordinator.
To read more about each new staff member, please see below.
Tevin Lakes - Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach
Lakes joins CMU as the Defensive Coordinator after a two-year stint at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. In Lakes' first year with the Reddies, the pass defense improved as the season progressed. Over the final five games of the regular season, HSU allowed just 175.4 passing yards/game.
Prior to his time with HSU, Lakes coached at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where he was the defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator for one season. While at OPSU, Lakes helped produce a Top-5 passing defense in the NAIA and the No. 1 passing defense in the Sooner Athletic Conference.
Lakes previously served as the graduate assistant coach for defensive backs at Division II member Augustana University for two seasons, reaching the DII Playoffs in his first year on staff.
Lakes' playing career began at Mississippi Delta Community College from 2010-12 before transferring to Alcorn State and finishing at Mississippi Valley State in 2014. After his playing career, Lakes earned his Bachelors of Science in Health, Physical Education & Recreation in 2016 and his Masters of Science in Sports Administration in 2019 from Mississippi Valley State.
"We are excited to have Tevin coordinating our defense! He has been a part of successful programs at every step of his career, and comes to CMU highly recommended. His passion for the game, ability to teach, and attention to detail make him a great fit for what we're building here at Central!" - Head Coach Dave Brown
Keith Willis-Auger - Special Teams Coordinator/Wide Receivers
Willis-Auger comes to CMU after serving as an offensive graduate assistant coach at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. Prior to that he served as an assistant coach at Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, Kansas.
Willis-Auger's played college ball at Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska for two seasons before finishing his playing career at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas.
He has experience on the professional level, having played for the Northern Sydney Rebels in Australia.
"Keith is someone I've gotten to know over the last couple years, and was just waiting for the opportunity to be able to work with him. His energy and ability to relate to our players will have an immediate impact on our program!" - Head Coach Dave Brown
Mark Konopka - Offensive Line Coach
Konopka comes to CMU with more than 25 years of experience as an offensive line, tight ends, and strenghth and conditioning coach at the highschool, NAIA and NCAA levels.
He most recently served as the offensive line coach at Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan.
Konopka was a standout offensive lineman for Iowa State University for four seasons, where was named an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 selection. He would graduate from the University in 1997 with a Bachelor's degree of Liberal Arts and Science.
Konopka spent two years in the late 90's playing in the Arena Football League for the Florida Bobcats and Iowa Barnstormers.
"Mark brings valuable experience to our staff. His playing career speaks for itself, and he's been able to share that knowledge and experience with his players ever since. I've known Mark for years, and I'm excited to finally get to work with him." - Head Coach Dave Brown
Lee Tenenoff - Linebackers Coach/Recruiting Coordinator
Tenenoff joins CMU after serving as the Defensive Coordinator at Briar Cliff University. He previously spent three seasonsa at Illinois College. While with the Blueboys, Tenenoff coordinated the team's defense and recruiting efforts. He also led the linebackers unit. Overall, eight athletes under Tenenoff's direction earned All-Midwest conference honors.
In 2019, Tenenoff's defense led the conference in pass defense and held opposing quarterbacks to just 123.2 passing yards/contest. In addition, the Blueboy defense ranked in the top three in the conference in total defense, interceptions and takeaways.
Tenenoff also has coaching stops at Wisconsin Lutheran and Southwest Minnesota State. He holds a bachelor's degree in biokinetics from Bethel University and a master's degree in leadership and innovation from Wisconsin Lutheran.
"Lee brings a great skillset to our staff and our program. His experience as a Defensive Coordinator, as well as a Recruiting Coordinator will have an influence on every aspect of our program. We are excited to have Lee and his family joining us." - Head Coach Dave Brown
Shawn Simmons - Graduate Assistant/Running Backs Coach
Simmons will remain on staff as a graduate assistant and the Running Backs Coach for the football program in 2023. He served as a crucial piece to the program during the transition from coaching staffs, managing both the academic and strength and conditioning programs for the Eagles.
Simmons played for CMU for three seasons as a running back. While with the Eagles, he helped lead the program to their first-ever Heart Conference Championship and a berth into the NAIA-FCS playoffs in 2021.
"We are excited to be able to keep Shawn on staff this season. I have heard a lot of great things about him when I got to campus, and he's lived up to all of it! I'm looking forward to watching him lead our Running Back room."
Fellow graduate assistant Mackenzie Karim will finish up her time on staff this spring before transitioning to an athletic adminstration graduate assistant position this fall in conjuction with completing her masters degree.
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