David Schoettler, a defensive tackle on the Mankato West High School football team in 1999, described his coach, Tim Walz, as not being the type to yell and scream at his players. Despite this, Schoettler found himself benched during a game after failing to make a tackle that allowed the opposing team to score a touchdown.
Walz, who later became the governor of Minnesota and the Democratic vice presidential nominee, was known for being tough but not aggressive. Schoettler praised him as a “phenomenal coach” who held his players accountable. He compared Walz’s reaction to benching him to that of a disappointed father.
One memorable incident Schoettler recalled was when Walz showed up at practice feeling down because his wife had taken away his Dreamcast video game console for playing it too much.
Before entering politics, Walz was a teacher who also coached school sports. He coached basketball and track and field at Alliance High School in Nebraska and at the junior high level in Mankato, Minnesota, where he settled with his wife in 1996.
Walz’s coaching legacy at Mankato West High School gained attention after Vice President Kamala Harris chose him as her running mate. He played a significant role in leading the football team to a national title in 1999, following a season where the team had not won a single game.
Former Players at DNC
At the Democratic National Convention, Ben Ingman, who had Walz as a coach in seventh grade, shared a story about Walz and his wife helping a student pay off a lunch debt. Walz also coached seventh-grade sports, leading the track team to a state title. Ingman praised Walz for inspiring students to believe in themselves and each other.
During his time in Congress and as the governor of Minnesota, Walz continued to demonstrate leadership qualities that his former players admired. Lance Resner, a former linebacker, described Walz as a fantastic human being and a great leader who inspired others and made a positive impact.
Walz’s journey from the high school halls to Congress and eventually becoming the governor of Minnesota was highlighted in his speech at the Democratic National Convention. He used sports terms to deliver a pep talk to the nation, emphasizing the importance of unity and making a difference for the common good.
As the election approached, Walz urged the nation to come together and work towards a common goal, likening the situation to a football game where every effort counts. Schoettler expressed his support for the Harris-Walz ticket, citing Walz’s relatability and genuine personality as reasons for his vote.
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