Where did you grow up?

I bounced around a little growing up but I went to high school in Clarinda, Iowa and went to Clarinda High School– Go, Cards!

Where did you go to school?

I went to Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa where I was a soccer goalkeeper and a decathlete in T&F.

How did you get into Cross Country? When did you start?

This is my first time back to XC after an 8-year hiatus but I began running when I was in elementary school and always enjoyed the mile in PE class.

What is your favorite thing about teaching and coaching?

I like getting to know students better beyond the classroom, and also seeing what life lessons athletes learn through sport. Sport and competition teach you a lot about yourself and about others.

What is the most rewarding part about your job?

Connecting with students and making them feel valued is important, but seeing them achieve something they’ve worked so hard at for so long is always emotional for me.

Who does your family consist of?

My wife, Alayna, and I have been married for nearly four years. We have a baby daughter, Hollie, and two dogs.

Favorite food & restaurant?

I’d say pizza and ice cream are my favorites, but I love a good chicken sandwich, too! I don’t think I could pick a favorite restaurant– it depends on my wife or I’s mood.

Favorite movie & TV show?

I love The Newsroom, which used to be on HBO. I’d say Warrior or Onward are my favorite movies; both are great stories about family conflict, forgiveness, and redemption.

Hobbies outside of teaching & coaching?

I enjoy playing various sports or exercising. I play soccer in a competitive league here in Des Moines, and I also play sand volleyball, pickup basketball, kickball, and slow pitch softball.

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

I really enjoy David Letterman’s show on Netflix and think he’s a wonderful conversationalist. With that said, sitting down and listening to any combat veterans or 9/11 first responders from Ground Zero as they tell their story would be so interesting. 

What is your favorite part about Waukee?

My favorite part about Waukee is also what I consider so impressive about Waukee. No matter what level or area of the district it is, the staff lives to serve. I see it all the time from bus drivers, associates and paras, maintenance and janitorial staff, and of course, secretaries, teachers, and administrators. It’s just unreal.