Where did you grow up?
Mostly Iowa (Dubuque, Parkersburg, Pella), though I lived in Michigan and Washington briefly when I was young.
Schools attended?
Pella High School
Wartburg College
University of Northern Iowa
Who is in your family?
I’m married to Heidi (21 years); we have two sons, Owen (20) and Alex (18).
Favorite hobby outside of teaching/coaching?
Working out, though I also enjoy reading, writing, singing, and watching TV/movies.
How did you get into the sport? When did you start running?
I ran cross country for one year in high school and didn’t like it at all. I started running seriously when I was 25 to train for a marathon. I became good at marathons and half-marathons; people started asking me to train them. When we moved to the Des Moines area, I had the opportunity to be assistant girls cross country coach at Waukee. That led to an assistant girls track and field position the next spring. And here we are.
Favorite thing about coaching?
The opportunity to work with the guys and help them become better people who live happier lives while they grow as student-athletes.
Favorite memory from coaching at DCG?
Finding out about — and then celebrating — our first state championship in 2019.
Most rewarding part of being a teacher/coach at DCG?
Again, the opportunity to work with the guys. It all comes back to building positive relationships and helping them do the same.
Advice to a young runner?
Be Dedicated to giving your best in all you do. Be Compassionate toward others — including those with whom you compete. Have the Guts to do the right thing even when it’s hard. Remember the most important thing we do here is treat each other with kindness and respect.