The Douglas County Community and Senior Center has a familiar face taking over as its new sports coordinator.
Nick Lonnegren, a 2004 Douglas High graduate, will take over for Scott Doerr, who previously held the position for the last seven years.
In his new role, Lonnegren expects to continue working with young athletes in Douglas County, which is something he’s been doing for the past six years.
“I’ve always been involved in sports and helped with the youth. When this opportunity came about, I just wanted to be more involved,” said Lonnegren. “I think the Rec Center is a great place for kids to come and have an outlet.”
Lonnegren has been a contracted trainer for the community center before, but this will be his first full-time role with the county.
“He’s been an integral part of the youth sports development since he moved back to Douglas County,” said Doerr. “He’s had a lot to do with the success of both the boys and girls basketball teams this past year. He’s been training most of them for many years.”
In the sports coordinator position, Lonnegren will be in charge of the youth sports scene at the community center. He will also be in charge of the adult rec league options through the center, including flag football, volleyball, softball, basketball and others.
“I want to continue getting more camps involved,” said Lonnegren.
After graduating from Douglas High School, Lonnegren went on to play several sports in college.
Lonnegren ran track and played basketball at Butte College before taking an opportunity at Chico State to continue playing basketball.
At Chico, Lonnegren earned his master’s degree, but also was back coaching basketball at Butte College.
He wasn’t just on the sidelines as Lonnegren re-enrolled at Butte College to take a spot on the football team as well, where he played wide receiver.
“In football, I was just another player and I was 25 at the time,” said Lonnegren. “I always had the aspiration to play football and just kind of went for it.”
Since returning to Douglas County, Lonnegren says he wants to be a part of the culture and continue to help grow the sports scene that has been such a large part of his own life.
“I know growing up we didn’t have something like this or I would’ve been as big of a gym rat as I am now,” said Lonnegren.
Around the community, Lonnegren has worked with athletes or varying age levels from Talyn Jackson to Chris Smalley, Anna Bertolone, Kasen Boggs and Jaileen Yarrow.
Lonnegren has also been a personal trainer for retired adults since returning to Douglas County.
“I just want to continue the foundation and build a more attitude, effort culture here for the youth,” Lonnegren added. “I love working with athletes that want to continue building toward their own success.”
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