Hello, football fans! I’m Coach Zack Lukings, and my journey with football has been nothing short of a wild ride.
It all started in 2002, when I first laced up my cleats. I’ll admit, it wasn’t love at first sight – in fact, I quit the game after my first year, thinking, “Football is hard!” But something in me clicked by the 2004 season, and I couldn’t stay away. From then on, football was my passion, and the rest, as they say, is history.
I made a name for myself as a Defensive Lineman. I was honored to be named Defensive Lineman of the Year with the London Falcons in my final year, and I earned a spot as an OVFL All-Star in 2009. My college days at the University of Toronto were spent fighting hard in the trenches, where I started for five seasons, from 2010 to 2015, playing every position on the defensive line.
After wrapping up my playing career, I transitioned to coaching, starting with the Metro Toronto Wildcats in 2016. Despite a tough 3-5 season, our defense dominated, giving up under 7 points per game and nearly leading the league in sacks. From 2017 to 2024, I moved on to coach the Toronto Jr. Argos, where my first year as defensive line coach was capped off by an undefeated Championship season. We continued to perform at an elite level, consistently holding teams to under 7 points per game and averaging 4 sacks per game. During my tenure as Defensive Coordinator from 2019-2024 (excluding the COVID years), our defense remained a powerhouse.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. In 2018, I expanded my coaching career at Football North, where I started as the JV Defensive Line coach. Over the years, I worked my way up to coaching both the JV and Senior Defensive Lines, and eventually assisted the Defensive Coordinator with the overall defense. My recent return as Senior Co-Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line coach helped lead Football North to its best season in history, with the most dominant defense the program has ever seen.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring talented players who’ve gone on to achieve incredible success at the next level. Some of my standout players have made their mark at NCAA Division I programs such as Tyrell Lawrence (Minnesota), Reignings Awah (Kent State), Cade Cote (Central Michigan), and Isaiah Hastings (Alabama), along with many more who have thrived in USports.
For me, it’s not just about the game – it’s about shaping young athletes, pushing them to be their best, and teaching them the value of teamwork, discipline, and resilience. The defensive line is where the magic happens, and I’m passionate about helping each player develop their skills, grow their confidence, and make an impact on the field.
Whether you’re here to learn, grow, or just talk football, I’m excited to be part of your journey. Let’s dominate the trenches together!