As I sat at Oliphant Street Field on September 14 th watching my Dad get his 300th victory I couldn’t help reflecting on the last 36 years of his coaching profession.

As far back as I could remember I was my Dads shadow at practice and games as he coached our beloved Bears. I have more memories of Friday nights in WB than I’ll ever be able to share or reflect on but there are definitely moments and lessons along the way that I’ll forever carry with me.

Early on before I was old enough to be a ball boy he had me leading the team out on the field while carrying a WB flag which I at the time thought was the greatest job. As the story goes I was finally old enough to be a ball boy which I did until I was old enough to play tackle football in junior high. My favorite memory of those times was when we were playing Applington Parkersburg in the Dome and my Dad was so superstitious he wasn’t about to have his youngest child not be on the sideline with him.

I remember him telling me to stay close to him as we take the field so security won’t say anything. So I did as I was told and was attached to hip pocket. I remember kneeling on the carpet at the UNI Dome watching an overtime goal line stance followed by Gordy (Then QB Ryan Gordon) sweeping around the corner behind (Cliff) Bowie for the biggest win in Program History. The best part of being on the sideline was rushing the field and finding dad for a once in a lifetime embrace to celebrate.

As I transitioned to play high school ball I knew it was now my turn to play for West Branch and live out my childhood dreams. I remember dad early on telling me that he was going to be harder on me than anyone else because I had to earn my spot and show others that he doesn’t play favorites. I think the one thing that I cherish now more than anything was the relationship we had off the field. I was much more different than my older brother when it came to conversations off the field with dad.

We came to agreement early on that at home he was Dad first. If I wanted to talk about sports it was on me to bring it up and he would talk about anything I wanted. I really appreciated that because there was already enough pressure playing at West Branch and everything that came along with it. I loved having that support of my Dad whenever I needed it.

Even though injuries kept me from reaching my ultimate goals with the game of football I still learned so many lessons that I cherish today. One of those that stand out most to me was Dad’s ability to convince a troubled kid heading down the wrong path to go out for football. Everyone seems to know and remember the great teams, great players, and great accomplishments on the field but it was the relationships off the field that have a lasting impression on me.

He would convince these kids to play football not because they can necessarily help us win big games. Rather because they needed a support system to help guide them in the right direction. There are countless kids that he would take under his wing and show them the right way to go about life and the importance of surrounding yourself with great people. I’m more proud of him for being a great leader to these kids than coaching any all stater, shrine bowl, or winning a state title.

I would be remiss to not acknowledge one person that has quietly sat in the background and let this program and coach shine. While dad was at practice, reviewing film, or watching the weight room my amazing mom was running three kids around town to practice and other extracurricular activities. I once heard someone say behind any great coach is a supportive companion/wife/husband/etc. That is so true and I’m so lucky to have such a supportive mom. I remember once in Junior high I was misbehaving and the teacher asked me if I wanted them to contact my dad. I let them know you can contact my dad all you want just don’t call my mom. My mom was the play caller at home!

Here are just a few of my favorite lessons from Dad and our coaching staff over the years.

1. School is your top priority. Respect your teachers and take school seriously.
2. The Team comes first. This is so true even to this day as there is nothing that you and I do where we do it alone. Whether it’s parenting, coaching, teaching, or working at any job you can imagine. We can’t do it alone, we have to surround ourselves with positive people that will be there for you through thick and thin and won’t bring negativity to the team.
3. Don’t ever point blame onto others because if you do you’ll have three more fingers pointing back at you. I love this quote because it so true and relevant. Take ownership and responsibility for your actions and be accountable at all times.
4. Enjoy and embrace each day as an opportunity to get better. We often times get so excited for Friday’s game or an event coming in the near future that we miss out on today. Embrace each day and live it to the fullest as tomorrow is never a guarantee.
5. If you’re on time you’re late. You need to be ready to go 15 minutes before any meeting or practice. I still carry this rule with me in my professional life.

I can go on for days about West Branch Football and what it has meant to me over the years. We all have our different memories to share which is amazing but the end result is always the same. Once a Bear always a Bear. This is a family and a community program which means more to my Parents and Family than anyone will ever know.

Congratulations Dad on an unbelievable accomplishment; Go Bears!

Kip, Alisha, and Peyton Pedersen