Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Jefferson, Iowa.

Where did you go to school?

I went to Jefferson-Scranton High School (now called Green County Community Schools).

How did you get into swimming? When did you start?

I started when I was 7 years old and it was something to do in the summertime.  I had a lot of friends that swam and it was an enjoyable activity.  I enjoyed the time with coaches as well as being outside every day in the summer!

What is your favorite thing about teaching and coaching?

The relationships you get to build with swimmers and families.  We are around each other a lot (still have double day practices over 80-90% of the season.)  with about 20-24 hours of practice each week and then even longer when we have meets.  The interactions you get to have both in the pool and at school are so rewarding and many swimmers have the best time management skills as they have limited time to work/train.  I have been super grateful for Waukee to offer me the opportunity to share my passions in the classroom as a chemistry/AP Chemistry teacher and in the pool as a motivator and goal setter/achiever.

What is the most rewarding part about your job?

Seeing students and swimmers hit/surpass their goals.  In both of my worlds, neither one is very easy.  If it were easy, everyone would take chemistry and swim.  Chemistry is the application of mathematical equations and becomes challenging as there are so many different things going on at once at micro/macroscopic levels.  The understanding of concepts is one thing, but we strive for application and real life application of these big ideas.  In the swimming world, we train hours upon hours to drop such small increments of time.  The pain, fatigue, endurance is something that not everyone can endure.  The success that every swimmer feels from the start of a season to the end or even of a career, is something that you have to have been a part of to understand the excitement/disappointment with them.  Both of these areas in my life help guide so many wonderful life lessons. 

Who does your family consist of?

My lovely wife, Tiffany, (my high school sweetheart) and our six kiddos: Cameron, Kiara, Caleb, Calvin, Corbin and Kambria.

Favorite food & restaurant?

Shanghai Chinese in Waukee.  Sesame Chicken or Combination Crispy String Bean.

Favorite movie & TV show?

Shawshank Redemption & Grey’s Anatomy.

Hobbies outside of teaching & coaching?

Handyman, Landscaping, and fisherman.  I am also the Aquatic Director at Wakonda Club in the summer and teach lots of swim lessons.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

Jimmy Fallon.

What is your favorite part about Waukee?

The fact that we are a large school, but still hold on to small town values.  We have great community support and there are so many opportunities to get involved with school, church and community functions/activities/clubs.  Waukee continues to grow and change and have loved seeing the progress now for just about 2 decades.