Coach Rich Wilkie (Chippewa): Developing Football Players Into Young Men at Andover HS in Minnesota

By Dan Ninham (Oneida)

“I am a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in North Dakota,” said Coach Rich Wilkie. “I grew up in Jamestown, ND, attended the University of North Dakota and now live in Andover, MN.”

“I played high school sports at Jamestown HS in North Dakota and played four years of football at the University of North Dakota,” said Coach Rich. “I coached one season at Grand Forks Central, 10 seasons in Jamestown, three seasons at Coon Rapids HS and now in my 18th season as the head coach at Andover HS. I am the only head coach that Andover has had since we opened the school in 2002.”

Coaches develop philosophy statements to help guide them and others. “Our players and coaches will show integrity, honesty and trustworthiness toward their teammates, classmates and family in all situations,” said Coach Rich. “We will be reliable and will not let our friends and family down when they are counting on us. We will do our best and give our best effort on the field, off the field and in the classroom. We teach respect, dedication and passion for everything we do in our lives. Our team has earned All State Academic awards for 12 consecutive years by earning over a 3.0 GPA as a team. On the field we have won a Section Championship in 2007, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017.”

Coach Rich addressed his core values: “I believe the respect for elders and the importance of family first. My players need to know that how we treat our elders and family is much more important than the game. We can use our game to help nourish and instill those values in our team so they can grow to be great adults, parents and community leaders.  I wish I could get back to my reservation more often. I feel those values so strongly when I’m home and try to bring those back to my teaching and to my players.”

“I am a true minority in this coaching profession, and I try let people know my heritage without pushing but I think it’s important for people to know that about me,” said Coach Rich.

Derrin Lamker, head football coach at Osseo for 14 years and now in his third year as Edina head football coach said: “Rich and I have been friends for 17 years on and off the field. He was a mentor to me in my first few years. He is truly in this profession for the kids. He cares deeply about every player. One of the most organized and prepared coaches you will find.”

Lennie Steinmetz. I coached football with Rich for 10 years,” said Lennie Steinmetz. He is super intelligent and a talented player as a State Basketball Champion and an All State Tight End. He is a great communicator and motivator. Dakota tough! Fantastic parent! Has 3 great sons.”

Son Connor Wilkie said: “I played football for my dad in 2012-2014. He taught me everything I know about playing football but more importantly how to be a man, husband and father.”

“I played QB for 2 years with Coach Wilkie during the 2007-2008 football years at Andover High School,” said Wes Satzinger.  “In my first year as starting quarterback we won the first section championship in school history. During this period of my life Coach Wilkie helped me truly grow and develop as a young man. He showed me the work ethic it takes to become something more, and gave me the confidence I needed for the team that season and more importantly for my life.  I know how he treated me and made me feel, and also how he impacted others. He inspired me to want to achieve more with my life and eventually want to help other players live out their dreams, similarly to how coach Wilkie allowed me to flourish and live one of my dreams.”

“Coach Wilkie knows what it means to go above and beyond as a coach,” said Alex Becker and player in 2005. “He showed us all what hard work, determination, dedication and passion for football and players looked like. I’ve used those skills as a Varsity Football Coach, and I’m forever grateful for all that I’ve learned from him.”

Coach Wilkie’s leadership provided me and many others a chance to earn a college scholarship while developing as young men,” said Jamar Thompson, running back in 2002-06. These are things I will forever be thankful for under his tenure.”