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Detroit Catholic Central Announces Justin Cessante ’99 As Head Football Coach

IN THE PRESS

Detroit Catholic

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For Immediate Release - 1/18/2023

Contact: 

Jake Marmul ’07
Director of Admissions and Public Relations
Jmarmul@catholiccentral.net
248-596-3874

Aaron Babicz '93
Director of Athletics
Ababicz@catholiccentral.net 
248-596-3828

NOVI, Mich. – Detroit Catholic Central High School today announced Justin Cessante ’99 has been named the 13th head coach in school history.

“It is with great honor through God’s grace that I accept the responsibility of leading this storied football program built by tremendous men and mentors,” said Coach Cessante. “I have dedicated my life's work to positively impacting young men's lives on and off the field through this great game of football. We will be on a mission to serve God while building onto our tradition of excellence. Our goal will be to continue building a strong foundation of goodness, discipline, and knowledge for every student that walks the halls of CC.”

Coach Cessante brings close to two decades of high school coaching experience to the position, most recently serving as the Director of Strategic Partnerships and National Director of Football at Legacy Center Sports Complex, as well as serving as Executive Director of LEAD Foundation. 

"We were excited to battle through the interview process with some exceptional candidates,” said Mr. Aaron Babicz, Director of Athletics. “Justin Cessante is a perfect fit for our young men, Shamrock community, and overall culture. He is a man of faith who will make the kids believe in themselves and the mission of Detroit Catholic Central Football.”

In addition to his coaching experience, Coach Cessante is a highly accomplished athlete, having been a member of the 2002 national championship football team at Grand Valley State University where he played under current Louisiana State University Head Coach Brian Kelly and Miami University Head Coach Chuck Martin. 

Coach Cessante holds a storied legacy at Catholic Central, having been a member and captain of the 1997/1998 back-to-back state championship football team and returning as an assistant coach from 2004 to 2018. Serving as JV Head Coach and Varsity Defensive Coordinator, Coach Cessante coached in five MHSAA D1 finals and won the 2009 state championship. In 2018, Coach Cessante was named to the Detroit Catholic Central High School 40 Under 40. He currently resides in Novi with his wife Christina, and their two daughters, Iyla Grace and Stella Mia

It is a true blessing to come back home after playing and coaching at CC for 19 years,” said Coach Cessante. “I appreciate and thank the administration, President Ed Turek, Principal Father Fulton, and Athletic Director Aaron Babicz, as well as the selection committee, for their trust and support of me and my family.”

Catholic Central Football has won 14 state championships in the school’s 94-year history. The school congratulates long-time head coach Dan Anderson on his retirement from coaching at the conclusion of the 2022 season. Anderson remains a social studies teacher at Catholic Central.

More information about the Catholic Central football program can be found at www.dccshamrocks.net.

 

About Catholic Central

Detroit Catholic Central High School was founded in 1928 by the Basilian Fathers to raise up productive leaders in the church and community through teaching young men the Basilian ideals of Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge. The largest all-boys private high school in Michigan, Catholic Central currently enrolls more than 930 students from 58 cities throughout southeast Michigan.

Catholic Central provides a holistic learning experience to help students achieve success both in and out of the classroom. Today, 99% of Catholic Central graduates go on to pursue a college degree. The school celebrated six National Merit Semifinalists and ten National Merit Commended Students in the 2022-2023 school year, with the student body's average SAT and ACT scores approximately 20% higher than the national average.

Located on 116 acres in Novi, Michigan, Catholic Central recently announced a campus expansion initiative, including the George and Mary Turek Hall of Science, focusing on a cutting-edge STEM curriculum and scheduled to open in 2024.

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