Omer LaJeunesse

Omer LaJeunesse (May 4, 1908 – May 15, 1994) was an American football player and coach. He played football at the University of Michigan from 1929 to 1931. LaJeunesse served as the head football coach of at Michigan College of Mining and Technology—now known as Michigan Technological University from 1957 to 1962 and the head coach of the swim team from 1954 through at least 1969.

Iron Mountain High School LaJeunesse grew up in Iron Mountain in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He attended Iron Mountain High School where he played fullback on the 1926 football team that won the title of Menominee Range champions. LaJeunesse was selected as an All-UPI fullback in 1926.

University of Michigan Before enrolling at the University of Michigan. He was a backup at the fullback position in 1929, and a starter at the guard position for the Michigan Wolverines football team in 1930 and 1931. During his two years as a starter, the Wolverines compiled a record of 16 wins, 1 loss and 2 ties. LaJeunesse received national press attention in November 1931 when he revealed that he had received an anonymous letter offering an unnamed sum of money if he would throw Michigan's football game against the Michigan State Spartans. He received bachelor's and master's degrees in physical education from the University of Michigan.

High school coach After graduating from Michigan, LaJeunesse served as a high school coach in Hillsdale, Michigan, Battle Creek, Michigan and Iron Mountain, Michigan. In 12 years at Iron Mountain, he had a winning percentage of 68% in football and 61% in basketball. He served as Michigan Tech's head football coach from 1957 to 1962. La Jeunesse also served as the coach of the swim and softball teams and equipment manager during his tenure at Michigan Tech. LaJeunesse continued to serve as Michigan Tech's swim coach from 1954 through at least the 1969 season.

Family and honors LaJeunesse had five sons, Ted, Dave, Tom, Jerry and Terry. His oldest son, Ted LaJeunesse, played football at Michigan Tech from 1954 to 1957. Michigan Tech has established the Omer LaJeunesse Scholastic Achievement Award which is given annually to a football player with the highest grade point average.

Head coaching record College football