I am a physical education teacher and coach at Mukwonago High School. I am the head football coach, as well as the men’s head track and field coach. I was hired by the Mukwonago School District in 2018 and am finishing up my fourth year in the district.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married and have two children. My wife’s name is Faith (elementary education teacher at Mount Calvary in Waukesha); my daughter’s name is Elisabeth (Libby) and she is 12; my son’s name is Andrew and he is 9. Our family just moved to Mukwonago as well.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been teaching for 20 years and coaching for 23 years. I was first hired by the Arrowhead Union School District in 2002. After ten years, I was offered the head coaching football position at Fond du Lac High School. I was a teacher and coach at Fondy for 6 years before accepting the same position at Mukwonago High School in 2018. I love helping and working with kids. I enjoy watching kids change their bodies in the weight-lifting courses I teach and transfer that strength and confidence to competition.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Because of food allergies, our family doesn’t dine out too often, but we enjoy DAA’s.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I am finishing up my fourth year teaching and coaching at Mukwonago High School.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I have met so many wonderful people since coming to Mukwonago. I am so impressed by the generosity poured out by countless numbers of people. If I had to list one name, I would say Craig Vertz. Craig is a true ambassador for our schools and community.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Tuscaloosa, Alabama Since I was young, I have loved the Alabama football team (They weren’t very good back then.). I read a book about Bear Bryant when I was in 8th grade and have loved Alabama ever since. Consequently, Nick Saban is my hero today.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I would be an AWFUL movie critic because I would give two thumbs up to most movies I watch. I like too many movies to list. I like action, suspense, comedies, documentaries, dramas, etc. I watch movies as an escape from reality and am entertained fairly easily. I don’t watch too much TV at all, but I am a fan of ‘Yellowstone.’
Q: What advice would you give to people?
It doesn’t take talent to be tough. Not everything that happens in life is good or fun or enjoyable and that’s okay. Be resilient and just keep moving forward.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to see the Iron Bowl (Alabama vs. Auburn football game) live.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I would say that my music library is very eclectic. Sometimes I might be in the mood for U2 (Achtung Baby), other times I might listen to Metallica or Five Finger Death Punch. I also might select Florida Georgia Line or some rap like Eminem or Ice Cube.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
My only experiences of Mukwonago from when I was young would be the flea market at Field Park. I grew up in Fort Atkinson and each summer my family would make the drive over to Mukwonago for the flea market.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would meet with Nick Saban for lunch at DAA’s. I would love to pick his brain on program building (football), Xs and Os, and mental training.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our community loves high school sports and supports MHS exceptionally. I have never lived or coached in Texas, but I like to think that Mukwonago is the closest thing to Texas high school football anywhere in Wisconsin.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself teaching and coaching at Mukwonago High School after winning a few state titles.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people probably don’t know that I first graduated with a degree in classical languages (Greek, Hebrew, Latin, & classical German).
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Glacier National Park in Montana is amazing. My wife is from Tacoma, Washington and Mount Rainier is gorgeous as well.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month is October because the leaves are changing and we are getting ready for playoff football at the high school level. My favorite holiday is Easter because it assures us Christians that we too will rise again. My favorite day is the first day of football each August.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My wife of course….and playing or coaching in the state championship at Camp Randall.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family inspires me.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the smell of the grill.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Heaven Mukwonago Football
