Gegenheimer to head Prior Lake football
Posted: 4/7/06
by Andy Rogers
Thisweek Newspapers
Matt Gegenheimer, a physical education teacher at Prior Lake High
School, was officially named the head football coach at the Prior Lake
School Board meeting April 4.
Gegenheimer has been working at Prior Lake since 2000 and he has been
the defensive coordinator with the team since 2002.
One of the biggest reasons Gegenheimer thinks he got the job is his
passion.
“People that have been associated with me know how passionate I am
about coaching football here in Prior Lake and how much these kids mean
to me,” Gegenheimer said. “I also pride myself in my work ethic and my
ability to out-work others.”
His work with the team in the past was also a factor.
“When I became the defensive coordinator, I proactively took on many
other responsibilities which increased my leadership capabilities,”
Gegenheimer said. “Not only has the defense improved in every aspect,
but also the competitive mindset of the players.”
Gegenheimer also knows what changes need to be made.
“A relationship with our youth program, a better connection with the
community, assertive leadership, motivation of players, higher
expectations/standard for players, just to name a few,” Gegenheimer
said.
He coached with longtime leader John Bennett, but he expects to take
a difference approach.
“(We have) different standards, different expectations, and we have
different philosophies on how to run a program,” Gegenheimer said. “I
have been part of other successful programs and worked with some
phenomenal coaches who have helped me developed my coaching philosophy.”
One thing is for certain, Gegenheimer expects to make changes with
the program.
“This program needed a change and I feel that I am the person to make
those changes happen,” Gegenheimer said.
Gegenheimer is an Iowa native where he was all-state for football as
a linebacker in one of the best high school football programs in the
state — Iowa City High.
He’s a graduate of Iowa State University, where he was recruited to
play baseball.
After a few years he concentrated on coaching.
Gegenheimer and his wife, Danielle, have a 1-year-old son, Aidan, and
they are expecting their second child this spring.
He is also an assistant coach with the wrestling team.
While in college he coached both football and wrestling at Ames High and
he’s currently an assistant with the wrestling team at Prior Lake.
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