From the Court to the Classroom

On a football field in Madison, Kansas, Austin Klumpe was told he’d be great.

He wasn’t told he’d be great as a professional football player or a state champion sprinter. But he’d be a great teacher.

He wasn’t told that by one of his fellow teammates, or a friendly teacher after a Friday night game. He was told by Fred McClain, the 2011 all-state football coach, school counselor and Austin Klumpe’s mentor.

After a difficult practice with his eight-man football team, the team huddled and the coaches spoke to the players about the things they did right and wrong and what to do for the upcoming game. That’s when Fred McClain told Austin he’d be a great teacher.

“Being a teenager at the time, I kind of let the words go through one ear and out the other,” said Klumpe, “I didn’t really give it any extra thought, but that was one of the first times somebody told me I should be a teacher.”

Klumpe was more worried about his college career as a point guard for McPherson University, and the track and field season where he would compete and win his second state championship. Little did Klumpe know that he would carry that sentence with him throughout his college career.

Klumpe as a child lived for basketball. He worshipped Michael Jordan. Klumpe wore Jordan’s shoes as more than a fashion statement. He had been playing basketball since he was a third grader. His mom and dad played varsity basketball for their high schools. So it was natural that Klumpe wanted to spend the rest of his life on the court. When Klumpe finished his four years at McPherson University, he left with a business degree. He then applied to be an assistant coach for Emporia State’s women’s basketball team, where he ignited his love for coaching and teaching.

It was there, when he was a part of the team, working with them for no pay, that he realized how he was destined to be a teacher. It was when he worked every day as a practice player for the team, when he saw them go all the way to Sweet 16, that he knew that teaching was his future. He witnessed what went into a successful team, and what the players liked and didn’t like about their coaches.

Teaching was a way for Klumpe to get the best of both worlds for him. His love of business and helping children to expand their knowledge made teaching seem so inviting for Klumpe.

In 2013, Klumpe applied for a job as an Economics teacher at Shawnee Mission East. He would then apply shortly after for head women’s basketball coach.

After the Lady Lancers’ 2012 season, Coach Scott Stein left the basketball program after a 6-15 season. Klumpe applied for the job immediately, knowing his lifelong passion for the game and his love of helping people would make him perfect for the position. Klumpe knew what goes into a championship team, and that he could transform the Lady Lancers into one.

The team went 7-14 on the season, losing to Blue Valley by three points in the first game of the playoffs. Klumpe saw the ups and downs of the team, analyzing important points in the season. He learned from every little mistake the team had or mistakes he had as a coach.

“Klumpe is very dedicated to the team,” sophomore varsity point guard Kyle Haverty said, “He puts all of his time and energy into the program. It really benefits all of the players because it’s nice to have a coach that cares.”

With his second season as head coach looming, Klumpe made basketball his business instead of a hobby. He has set up camps for up-and-coming East basketball players, workout sessions for the fall and organized teams for third through seventh grades. He also teaches two classes now, Intro to Business and Economics.

Klumpe by day gets to teach students about economics, business and computers while at night he gets to teach basketball players new moves and new plays, and watches them grow into mature adults. No matter where he is, whether in the classroom, on the court or in the weight room, Klumpe gets to help students of Shawnee Mission East improve.

The season will start in November, where the Lady Lancers will be going for their first winning season since 2007.

“I just love teaching, getting to see people expand their knowledge and watching them grow as an adult,” said Klumpe. “With coaching, I get to combine both of my hobbies.”