Mike Laue DoDDS Europe 2009 Coach of the year!

Interview

1. Where were you born and where did you go to school? 

Born:  Ogallala , Nebraska . Went to high school at Harvard , Nebraska and college at the University of Nebraska Kearney

2. When did you first know that you would be a football coach? 

When they told me I couldn’t play the game any more.

3. What do you do when you are not coaching? 

Prepare for next season. Conditioning and strength training.

4. What are some of the highlights of your coaching career?

Nebraska State playoffs – 11 times
Nebraska State Runner-up – Once
Nebraska State Rating – Top 10 – 7 times
Wyoming State playoffs – 2 times
Nominated – Coach of the Year – Wyoming
DoDDS – 2 Runner-ups and 2 Championships.
Coach of the Year - DoDDS

Probably the most memorable times however were the years that I had the opportunity to coach my sons. Each of who were, fortunately for me, quite talented football players.

5. How long have you been a football coach? 

29 years

6. Who do you consider to be your mentor as a football coach and what was the most important lesson you learned from him? 

I have had the opportunity to work with many coaches. One of them, Al Gaston, from a small town in Nebraska , taught me that you need to make every play count and the only way to do that is to practice it until it is perfect. Do not accept anything less.

7. How would you compare this Bitburg team with your past teams? 

Each team has its own character. This team was disciplined, hard working, and unselfish.

8. Which team impressed you the most this year and why? 

Ansbach. They continue to year in and year out present a team that is always striving for the best. I was also impressed with Alconbury. I know what it takes to turn a team around during the season and they did it very well.

9. Which player impressed you the most this year? 

Gino Culotta was the most impressive with his size and physical abilities and Dom Barrale with his physical abilities but more for his football sense and knowledge.

10. How does the 2010 season look for Bitburg? 

As with most other schools we will be rebuilding. We do have returning lettermen that will need to step up and fill the positions of our graduating and PCS’ing athletes. With that in mind we always look to be in contention for the Championship.

Mike Laue's DoDDS record:

7 years win-loss record: 38-15

Thank you coach Laue and again congratulations on a great season and being selected coach of the year!