5 minute read
Lakeside Links: alum who stayed on the court, field and track
Matthew Doering, who has been the varsity defensive coordinator for the past 20 years, has been selected to serve as the next Warrior head varsity football coach, replacing longtime head coach Paul Bauer who retires after 23 years at the helm (see p. 4). “The same core values that Lakeside has are a key part of Warrior football,” Doering says. “We have the opportunity to challenge our student-athletes to use their talents and gifts to come together as a team and channel all of their efforts towards success every time we step on the practice or game field.” Matt and Jill have lived in Lake Mills since 2002. Their three children are Lakeside grads: Cassie (‘14) (& Brandon ‘13) Schilling; Becca (‘16); and Kyle (‘20).
With this Lakeside coaching change, we got to thinking about some other coaches: Forever Warriors who are coaching at the collegiate level. Here are a handful. Let us know if you know of more!
Randall Cox (‘84)
graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee. When his wife, Rebecca, received a call to Martin Luther College, he was later hired as the Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director. He is also supervising the new Betty Kohn Field House.
He loves coaching baseball because it’s “the sport I love, plus I get to work with and develop young men in the sport.”
As for his days at Lakeside, “I have great respect and admiration for Dale Walz, Mark Ricke, and Mark Toepel,” he says.
Lydia Ulrich (‘16)
is an Assistant Track and Field Coach of jumps and sprints at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. After attending UW-Stevens Point and competing on the track team, she was hired to be a graduate assistant at Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall, Minn.
Two years later, she was hired at Berry. “I love the mentorship aspect that comes along with coaching and building the relationships with my athletes,” she says. “It’s always fun to watch your athletes’ faces light up when they hit a big PR or accomplish a goal they’ve set out to do!”
She was influenced by Mr. Jim Bauer. “He coached with so much passion and always pushed us to be the best we could be in our events. Even though we won conference titles and state titles for the relay team, it was always more than just winning. It was about glorifying God with talents he blessed us with. Throughout my four years he helped us develop a go-go-go mentality of continually working hard towards our goals, which has carried over into my coaching.”
Rebecca Doering (‘16)
played softball for four years at Martin Luther College. After teaching for two years at Great Plains Lutheran High School in Watertown, South Dakota, she was called to be a professor of physical education and head softball coach at MLC. “Stepping into my position at a young age was daunting until I got on campus and was reminded of MLC’s family environment and Christian support!” She now loves supporting athletes. “Getting to be a part of my athlete’s journey in growing into a strong Christian young woman is my favorite part and the greatest honor of my work. Teaching them about a sport that I love and our Savior and his love is incredibly humbling every day. It is also just so much fun.” You might not be surprised which Lakeside coach had the greatest influence on her. “My dad had the biggest impact on me during my time at Lakeside, and I don’t say that just because he is my dad! He is a fantastic example of a strong Christian who is ministry-minded, passionate about what he does, cares deeply about his athletes, and strives to improve daily. He was always there to push me in my faith, in the classroom, and athletics during my time at Lakeside, and he continues to do so.”
Kaitlyn Gehler (‘18)
played volleyball at Memphis, Wyoming, and Marshall. She had worked at camps at Marshall for two summers and wanted to coach in college, so when they were looking to hire a third assistant, “I applied because I knew and trusted the staff and the athletic department.” She was promoted after one season and now primarily takes care of recruiting. She credits coaches Jenny Krauklis and Ben Hoppenrath because “they pushed me out of my comfort zone and instilled confidence in me. They gave me the freedom to lead and be my authentic self.” This is a quality she uses every day as I coach. “I know I’m making a difference in the lives of the girls I coach by challenging them, encouraging them, and teaching them. I get to fully immerse myself into something I’ve been passionate about my whole life by constantly learning and growing in the game.”
