Cedar Falls native Lynn King has impacted
University of Northern Iowa athletics at every levelas
a student-athlete, teacher, coach and administrator.
Recruited by Stan Sheriff and Jack Jennett to play
football and run track,
“Kinger” still shares the
record for most interceptions
in a UNI football
game (3).
A few years after
graduation, King returned
to his alma mater
in 1976 as track coach,
eventually hiring current
Director of Running
Programs Chris
Bucknam. In 1984,
King switched duties to
become Assistant Athletics
Director/Dome
Director. He moved on
to become athletics director
at the University
of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
and Drake. Since 2000,
he has served as A.D. at
the University of Pacific
in Stockton, California.
He was inducted this past fall into the Hall of Excellence
for the UNI School of Health, Physical Education
and Leisure Services. I recently visited with
my former boss and good friend.
CVA:What are your memories of UNI?
LK: The people—the best people I’ve known— from
my undergraduate playing days through my coaching
and administration days, I was blessed being around
tremendous people. Many of them are still my best
friends. I was also fortunate to coach some really fine
student-athletes who were fun to be around.
CVA: Who were the most influential people in your
career/life?
LK: I know I will leave someone out, but Jack Jennett,
Bill Thrall, Lyle Schwartzenbach, Stan Sheriff, Bob
Bowlsby, Glen Henry, Don Erusha, Don Briggs all at
UNI and my president at Drake, Mick Ferrari.
CVA: What was the hardest transition from coaching
to administration?
LK: Not being in contact with the student-athletes
every day. I still miss that. I made the move because
I was ready for a new challenge and wanted to test
myself.
CVA: Your son, Jason, is Assistant A.D. at Southern
Illinois. Any advice you’ve given him?
LK: Work harder than everyone else. Always respect
and thank people. Take time for your family.
CVA: What do you see in the future for athletics?
LK: I still believe in the importance of athletics in
individual development. There is a reason businesses
want to hire former student-athletes. Collegiate athletics
could change drastically in the future. Huge
coaches’ salaries and mega budgets at the I-A schools
are having even greater impacts every year.
CVA: What are your biggest accomplishments?
What’s in your future?
LK: Accomplishments—still enjoying going to work
everyday. And qualifying for the Boston marathon
when I was 60. (He’ll run it again this year.) I have
no desire to ever retire. I want to work. I would like
to ride my Harley a little more, though.
King and his wife, Jan, live in Stockton.
Daughter Kelly lives in southern California with her
husband and daughter. Son Jason and his wife, Tricia,
live in southern Illinois with their three young
children.
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