Now known for his political career as Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz also has a background as a football coach which speaks to his leadership and motivational skills.

His coaching journey was undertaken at the high school level where he made a significant impact on the teams he coached. At the Democratic National Convention earlier this summer, some of his former players joined Walz on stage.

Walz at Alliance High School, Nebraska

Waltz began his coaching career at Alliance High School in Nebraskawhere he served as linebackers coach. His time here was short and he resigned from extracurricular duties in 1995 due to legal issues unrelated to his coaching performance.

Walz at Mankato West High School, Minnesota

In 1996, Walz moved to Minnesota. Initially serving as linebackers coach, he quickly assumed additional responsibilities as defensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Mankato West High School. This was a critical moment for the struggling Mankato West Scarlets. The team endured a dismal stretch, losing 27 straight games before Walz’s arrival.

His time at the helm here proved far more fruitful. The The 1999 season was particularly notable; after starting off with a challenging 2-4 record, Walz motivated his team to rally together and eventually finish the season with an impressive 10-4 record.

“Everybody in that linebacker group played hard for tim walz because he asked a lot and was great to show you what to doexplaining it and motivating yourself,” former linebacker Dan Clement said Newsweek. “The primary differentiator was definitely his energy and commitment to the individual.”

The crowning that season was winning the state championship, a first for the school.