Darren Kelderman '83-'85

Darren Kelderman attended Iowa Lakes Community College from 1983-1985. He is going into the Hall of Fame for Football. 

Darren chose Iowa Lakes for its location, accessibility, educational opportunities, size, and opportunity to continue a sport he is passionate about. His parents never missed a home game and they traveled to many away games. Darren was raised in Doon, Iowa and played football for Central Lyon, Rock Rapids. Coach Dick Null was a strong influence and helped Darren develop his focus.

While playing quarterback for Iowa Lakes, Darren developed a close friendship with his center Brent Shatto.

When asked, Brent had this to say about Darren, “Darren was an excellent team leader and role model for the rest of the team.  He was many times the guy saying to the rest of us "maybe this isn't such a great idea"....in relation to our "free time".  Darren also was very involved with his then girlfriend and now wife.  The time spent with her kept him from following the rest of us to places like "509", the "Zoo", the "Castle" and the "Jungle"....most  of the time anyway.” 

Darren holds many single season records at Iowa Lakes including passes attempted at 452 and pass completed at 195. He also holds the single season record for passing yards at 2,909 and touchdown passes in a season at 27. He holds the record for passing yards for a game at 514 and touchdown passes in a game at 7.

In January of 1985 Darren transferred to the University of North Dakota on  a full ride scholarship for football. Darren graduated from University of North Dakota in December of 1987 with a business degree. He then moved to Wadena, Minnesota and opened his first restaurant in June of 1988. Darren is still actively involved in all of his restaurants and has started consulting.

Darren and his wife, fellow Laker alum, Kandi raised their three sons in Wadena. Darren coached his three sons at different levels of football and is eagerly anticipating the start of his two grandsons athletics at WDC.

When asked Darren had this to say about Iowa Lakes, “I think smaller colleges and technical schools are under-valued. My time at Iowa Lakes set the tone for the rest of my life. I got a great start on my education and would have never been recruited by UND had I not had the opportunities here.”

Congratulations Darren Kelderman on being inducted into the Iowa Lakes Hall of Fame.