Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota and vice presidential candidate, recently had his high school football coaching career spotlighted in an article by The Ringer. One of his former players, Dan Clement, shared details about his struggles with alcoholism and the law during his time on the 1998 Mankato West team. Clement revealed that he began experimenting with alcohol in high school and was arrested multiple times for underage drinking the summer before his senior year. Despite initially deciding not to play football that season, Walz encouraged him to return to the team, emphasizing that “We need you” and expressing his support despite Clement’s struggles. Although Clement did not get sober until a decade later, he credited Walz for being a positive influence during a dark time in his life.
The Harris-Walz campaign has sought to tie Walz’s coaching experience at Mankato West High School in the 1990s to his candidacy as the running mate for Harris. During his tenure as an assistant coach, the team won the state championship in 1999. However, Walz’s coaching background has been a subject of criticism and ridicule, with incidents such as a live stream gaming session with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and a controversial post on social media drawing negative attention. Additionally, Walz faced protests by pro-Palestine demonstrators during a game between Mankato West and Mankato East, and was booed by fans outside a Minnesota vs Michigan game. Despite lacking experience coaching beyond the high school level, Walz has compared himself to Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, who had successful coaching stints at multiple NCAA Power 5 football programs.
Walz’s impact on his former players was highlighted during his speech at the Democratic National Convention, where he brought out members of the 1999 state championship team. This gesture was scrutinized by former U.S. ambassador Richard Grenell, who pointed out that Walz was only an assistant coach, not the head coach. Regardless of the critiques, Walz has emphasized the positive influence he had on his players, such as Clement, and the importance of offering support and guidance during difficult times. Clement expressed gratitude for Walz’s caring attention, stating that trusting in the support of others ultimately led his life in a positive direction.
The article by The Ringer sheds light on the personal connections and impacts made by Walz during his coaching career, showcasing the role of a coach as a mentor and source of support for young athletes facing personal challenges. The narrative of Clement’s struggles with alcoholism and eventual recovery serves as a powerful example of the lasting impact a positive influence like Walz can have on individuals during challenging times. Despite facing criticism and ridicule in his coaching background, Walz’s ability to inspire and guide his players has resonated with those who have been touched by his mentorship, demonstrating the importance of empathy, support, and trust in building strong relationships with those under one’s care.
