Full circle.
How else to characterize it?
Oelwein alum Nick Lamphier was hired at the Feb. 17 Oelwein school board meeting to lead the Husky football program. Lamphier played four seasons for the Huskies, then two years for Luther College in 2009-10.
He was most recently on the Belle Plaine football staff.
“I’m super excited. A lot of family there, obviously, grew up there,†Lamphier said. “Just to put the Husky logo back on is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. To finally do it, it’s almost surreal and can’t believe it’s actually happening.
“I was (baseball) coach (Steve) Sanders’ batboy for years, (football) coach (Jim) Yokas’ ballboy (before playing for them). It’s a full-circle moment, how I grew up with Oelwein athletics and now to get to come back and be a coach is pretty exciting.â€
Lamphier played varsity football for three seasons at Oelwein, with a 7-2 record in 2007 as the high-water mark. The Huskies went 6-4 for three consecutive seasons from 2009-2011 but hasn’t reached that level since.
Lamphier student taught under former Husky football coach and current softball coach Bob Lape while at Luther and was a substitute teacher in Oelwein’s school system last year. He was on the Belle Plaine football staff last season as the Plainsmen went 7-2.
“I knew coach (Bob) Lape was close to retirement, but I didn’t know (he would leave the football program) this quick,†Lamphier said. “I had a lot of people reach out and let me know (the position) was open, and I jumped at the opportunity.â€
Lamphier began his coaching career at South Central Calhoun alongside his brother Nate, with stops at Luther College, Nashua-Plainfield and Waterloo West until being hired by Belle Plaine.
Lamphier was a multi-sport athlete at Oelwein, participating in football, baseball, and basketball. He continued his academic and athletic journey at Luther College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Athletic Training in 2013 and played one year of football.
Parents Mark and Deb Lamphier both graduated from Oelwein in 1974 and dedicated 17 years to the school district — Mark as a coach and Deb as a staff member. His brother, Nate, is currently a teacher in Oelwein.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nick Lamphier back to Oelwein as our new head football coach,†Superintendent Josh Ehn said. “His passion for the program, commitment to developing student-athletes, and deep connections to our school and community make him the perfect fit to lead the Huskies.â€
“The first big step, and it’s anywhere, not just Oelwein, is building a relationship with the kids,†Lamphier said. “Not just the football players, but the entire student body. Whether it’s getting students in the crowd Friday night, supporting volleyball, whatever.
“Just getting that sense of school pride that Oelwein’s had. Building that relationship with the kids, building the excitement back up. I got to meet some of them last week, and it’s exciting. There are a lot of familiar names, and all the kids seemed excited.â€
