I have been blessed with success as both a high school and college basketball player and coach. Most recently, serving as head men’s basketball coach at Central College for the past 10 years – during that time, directing the Dutch to two NCAA Division III appearances and capturing two league tournament titles and one conference championship.
God also gave me an ability and desire to glorify Him by excelling on the court. As a player from Maurice- Orange City High School, I was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Players Hall of Fame. At Northwestern College, I became the third-leading scorer in the school’s history and a member of the Red Raider Hall of Fame.
Although I may have been blessed with success in the sport of basketball, my greatest priority is to be a living example and impacting student athletes for the Lord ... and that was a seed planted in my life from the beginning.
There was not a specific time growing up that led me to know Christ. I grew up in a Christian home, and always believed in Jesus as my Savior. But there were many people in my life that influenced and impacted my faith, and helped mold me into the person that I am today.
Through their examples of work ethic, integrity and faith, my parents, Les and Bev, were the best role models a son could ask for. Dad was a constant rock for our family by not only sharing stories from the Bible, going to church and tithing, but his gifts of coaching and supervision that greatly impacted my brother and me. His daily devotions challenged us and followed us throughout college – inspiring and reminding us that our purpose was greater than ourselves.
Coach Todd Barry led through example as well. A dedicated coach who was devoted to the Lord, he was active in FCA and volunteered annually at
the FCA camp in Pella, Iowa. In high school with the Coach’s guidance, we won two state titles and placed third another time. Through his leadership, we played for a national championship while I was at Northwestern College. Through all of his success, he was a humble leader and displayed his faith daily by how he lived.
Today my wife, Jen, is my biggest supporter. She is devoted in our partnership with FCA and strengthens my faith daily. As a partner in life, she is a strong woman who knows the Bible well. Jen cares and loves more than anyone I know, and I am truly blessed to have her by my side. We are now blessed with five great kids — Tanner, Brayton, Tagen, Charlie and Isabella. Through my Dad, Coach Barry and others, I saw the impact coaches were making in the lives of my friends and me to be the best we could be both on and off the court. That’s a big part of why I love coaching and encouraging our youth.
In addition to coaching, I’ve had the opportunity to work with thousands of young players through Douma Shooting, helping athletes who attend each of the past 14 summers.
Now I look forward to this calling that God has placed on my heart to serve hundreds of coaches and thousands of student athletes through FCA. I hope you will consider joining my team and making a difference in their lives and future.
John 15:5
1 Corinthians 16:14
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