Jim Christopherson Department: Phy Ed/Health/Coach Years at Concordia: 1964-2000 Current Home: Moorhead, MN Phone: 218-236-8657 Email: jimandsandychrismn@gmail.com
In the fall of 1964 (your sophomore year), I accepted the position of defensive coordinator for the legendary Jake Christiansen on the Concordia football staff. We had no idea that we would end up playing Sam Houston State (Texas) for the National Championship in December. Not only did we end up as champions, but Coach Jake was honored as the National Coach of the Year. Fast forward to 1966 (your senior year) when Concordia dedicated its new football stadium and locker room in Jake’s name. This was done in less than two years. We went from playing in a stadium with wood bleachers and dressing in the basement of the field house to the present facilities with new artificial turf and state-of-the-art locker rooms. What a privilege it has been to learn from my mentor for five years, and then to lead the program in the subsequent thirty-two years after he retired. We have had many victories and championships because of numerous great players and coaches. Winning has always been a high goal, and the mission of our program was in line with Concordia’s over-all mission “to send into society thoughtful and informed young men and women dedicated to the Christian life.” Congratulations to the class of 1967 on celebrating your 50th anniversary! I hope the memories of your years (1963-1967) were enhanced by the efforts of the football Cobbers during those magical fall football seasons. My wife, Sandy (teacher for 25 years), and I retired in 2000 and along with our adult children, Reid, Heather and spouses, have watched our family grow to include seven grandchildren. We have enjoyed watching all their various activities and developing careers. Sandy and I in the meantime volunteer in several groups both in the community and church; continue to travel both within the US and overseas; cross country and downhill ski, walk and bike along with sailing, fishing and hunting at our lake home on East Battle Lake. We look forward to seeing many of you at homecoming this fall to reflect on those wonderful years at Concordia. II Corinthians 5:20 Soli Deo Gloria
245