I take pride in being a Wartburg Knight

NAME: Lon Lawler
CLASS YEAR: 1983
MAJOR: History and physical education 
CURRENTLY:  High school physical education teacher and former high school football coach, Osage Schools

WHY WARTBURG: I have had some people in my life who guided me to where I’m at. Greg Hovden ’75 was a high school teacher/coach at Eldora who took a bunch of us guys on college visits and encouraged us to consider our options. Meeting Coach Don Canfield and some players on my recruiting visit is what sold me.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO TEACHING AND COACHING: I wanted a career that was engaging and where I could be actively involved. Having work that I enjoy and find rewarding has made it a lifestyle – not just a job. And Coach Canfield was instrumental in me becoming a football coach. He was a role model for a lot guys coming through Wartburg.

HOW DID YOUR WARTBURG EXPERIENCE PREPARE YOU FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: I believe it taught me to persevere through challenges and to have the confidence to accept the risks of leadership and responsibilities.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: I believe my legacy at Osage is my contribution toward getting an impressive weight room built at our high school that will enable athletes to enhance their successes. I am also proud of my vision to build a community recreation center that has become a family friendly center dedicated to serving the health and wellness of children to retirees. Whenever I walk through the Cedar River Complex, I always take a moment to see all the different people using it and how it has enhanced their lives.

HOW ARE YOU LIVING OUT THE WARTBURG MISSION: I have been able to serve and be a leader in my community. I have assisted with the education committee at our church, been a merit badge counselor, coached little league baseball, and established the flag football league.

WHY WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WORTH IT: Wartburg was a great fit for me. It didn’t take long to take pride in being a Wartburg Knight. During my years at Wartburg, I believe we had some iconic leaders that I was able to get to know and learn from. The Wartburg campus was home — we played basketball in President Vogel’s driveway, developed a bond of brotherhood, and were welcomed to Coach Canfield’s for ice cream sundaes. If I had to do it all over again, my choice is Wartburg!