By Dan Hardenbrook
For the third straight school year, Engadine will have a new athletic director when school gets underway. After much turnover in the position, Engadine is turning to local parent Megan Franckowiak to provide stability and continue to grow the Eagles athletic programs. Franckowiak resides in Curtis with her husband, Gregg, and their three children which attend Engadine Consolidated Schools.
The Franckowiaks are no stranger to school athletics, attending and volunteering at their children’s events while also supporting the Eagles at other games and fundraisers. Megan will lead the athletic department operations with Gregg by her side as the local couple looks to tag team a difficult job.
The Engadine school district has gone through three full-time and two interim athletic directors in the past three school years.
Most recent to step away was former Engadine graduate Dennis Vowell, who took over last school year. Vowell announced he was leaving the position shortly after the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
Prior to Vowell, Engadine staff member Edwina Garries held the position; she’d taken over after the departure of another Engadine alum, Charlie Fosdick. Both had short runs in the athletic department, which was previously served by longtime Athletic Director Deb Dewyse.
Dewyse was a former President of the EUP Conference and named UP Athletic Director of the Year late in her tenure. She continues to work as a student service coordinator within the school district and has stepped up in between hires to keep things running smoothly and help train new hires. Superintendent Andrew Alvesteffer also briefly oversaw athletic events prior to Vowell’s hiring early last school year.
Megan Franckowiak also owns and operates her own local salon business, and will bring knowledge, passion, and experience to the position. She hit the ground running in late July following her hiring, and has already begun working with Engadine coaches and Sports Boosters to prepare for the upcoming fall sports season.
Questions about the Engadine athletic programs may be directed to Franckowiak by email (mfranckowiak-ecs@eupschools.org) or by calling (906)-477-6313 ext. 2660.
