John and Carolyn Walz

Our first inductees as “Special Contributors” are Carolyn Lee Walz and John Sherman Walz. 

Over the years John and Carolyn have been tireless supporters of Iowa Lakes and its athletics and activities programs including football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and the music department. Although it would be impossible to sum up their contributions, we would like to highlight a little of their involvement and what they have meant to Iowa Lakes. 

Carolyn attended Estherville Junior College and was a scholarship cheerleader. Because of her college communications skills instructor she acquired her position as Assistant Director of Estherville Public Library and was later appointed Director, working for over 50 years. John Sr. also attended Iowa Lakes from 1982-1984, after the closing of the Morrell Packing Plant. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Health Care Administration. Son John also attended Iowa Lakes from 1983-1985.  He graduated with an AA agree and transferred to Iowa State. He returned to Iowa Lakes to teach the Park and Recreation program and coach baseball through 2000. 

Forty years ago John and Carolyn began attending Iowa Lakes Football games. They went to home games and traveled to away games as well. They attended home basketball games and then began traveling with the team after their son graduated from high school. John and Carolyn are thankful for the opportunity to travel to multiple national tournaments. They went with Coach Bob Grems 1992 and 1994, Coach Darin Moeller in 2000, and Coach Troy Larson in 2013. 

Former Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director Jason VandeBrake had this to say about John and Carolyn, "Thinking about them and what they have meant to me and the program brings a smile to my face. Some of my best laughs were shared with the them on road trips. One of the greatest gifts we can share with one another is our time and energy and I don’t know if anyone in the country has given more to a program and its players than the Walz have. I can’t think of two more deserving people to be recognized and honored for all that they have done for the coaches, players, and Iowa Lakes.

As they became more involved with Iowa Lakes Athletics, they began taking on more roles.  Carolyn became known as the “team mom” and always brought along the blue bag of necessities. John kept the stat books for road games. Carolyn wrote columns for Spindrift “Traveling Along with the Laker Mom.” They contributed to the locker room project for the men’s locker room and have contributed to two plaques, one in memory of Carolyn’s father, Irvin, who was an avid sports fan at Iowa Lakes. 

Throughout the years, John and Carolyn have treasured the relationships they have cultivated through their involvement at Iowa Lakes. They have played an important role in welcoming prospective students to the area and helping them feel at home.

Former Iowa Lakes men's basketball player Anthony Anderson was one of those that was so graciously welcomed into their home. When asked, about their impact Anthony replied, "I couldn't have asked for better foster parents. Dad would hug you, cry with you, pray with you. Mom would nudge you in the right direction and make sure you were doing what you were supposed to. I always knew they would be there to help."

John and Carolyn admire the culture that the coaches at Iowa Lakes have developed. Each team is unique but the commitment and organization of the Iowa Lakes coaches and staff remains constant. The support of groups like the pep band and dance teams also go a long way in creating the community feel at Iowa Lakes. 

One individual that stood out for John and Carolyn was Coach Bob Grems. John and Bob grew up as neighbors and John and Carolyn followed his career and coaching at Iowa Lakes.

The admiration was mutually as Bob Grems had this to say about them, "John and Carolyn have been loyal Laker (and Wolves) fans for many many years. Their dedication to making sure our student athletes’ college and community experiences were rewarding and successful has always been unparalleled. They have become “Laker Mom and Dad” to many over the years, remembered by all, and have remained in contact with numerous players to this day.  Let it be known the Walz’s have always been loved and appreciated by those they have connected with and without them many students’ successes here may not have been realized. Always doing so from the heart and with love, never asking for anything in return, I can not think of anyone more deserving to be honored as the first inductees of the Laker Hall of Fame as Contributors. Congratulations John and Carolyn - you are the best!" 

Now John and Carolyn are both retired and continue to attend all the home basketball games and enjoy going to the music department Coffee Houses. They are active church members and participate in many other activities. 

They would like to thank their son John for introducing them to two football players in the mid 70’s, which was the beginning of their personal one on one contact with athletes. The biggest reward they have received from ILCC athletics is the many daughters and sons they have acquired. Those individuals throughout the US and several foreign lands still keep in touch. They greatly appreciate this recognition they are receiving. This night will forever be a treasure in their lives.