‘He’s always going to be Mr. Walz’: Mankato West alumni watch former teacher accept VP nomination
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
Reminiscent of the night when the Mankato West Scarlets football team won the state title in 1999, alumni erupted into waves and cheers as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — West’s former high school social studies teacher and football coach during that champion season — became the vice presidential nominee at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
“Let’s go Tim!” the crowd of around 100 supporters shouted in unison as they waved signs that read “Coach.”
Former students, alumni, colleagues and neighbors gathered at the Mankato West High School auditorium Wednesday evening to watch Walz formally accept his nomination on the big screen with a speech. The room broke into cheers like a pep rally as he recognized Mankato West students and staff as the inspiration to start his political career.
A group of Walz’s former students and football players took the stage at the convention ahead of Walz as the Mankato West marching band’s fight song played for a worldwide audience. Walz has been leaning heavily into his roles of teacher and coach on the campaign trail as he introduces himself to the nation.
Support Local News
When breaking news happens, MPR News provides the context you need. Help us meet the significant demands of these newsgathering efforts.
Larissa Beck of Maplewood, a 2004 alum, said it was “surreal” watching her former geography teacher accept the nomination. Yet, Beck said everything leading to this moment made sense, describing Tim and Gwen Walz as an “integral fabric” at Mankato West High School.
“The two of them just knew all of the students,” Beck said. “They knew what we were involved in, they asked us how the choir was going. …it just makes you feel seen as a young kid, as a teenager.”
Those at the watch party who knew Walz before his political career said he has always been the person the country is just getting to know. Blake Frink, a 2001 alum from Mankato, recently moved back to the area and visited Mankato West for the first time to give a speech about Walz. Frink said he was happy the nation would get to know someone who played an important role in his life.
“The thing that made him a great teacher was the fact that he was so welcoming to all the students that came in and you really felt like you’re at home sitting in his classroom.”
Walz has held several titles during his political career: Congressman, governor and now vice presidential candidate. But as a former student, Frink said only one title sticks.
“He’s always going to be Mr. Walz to me.”
With 75 days left until Election Day, supporters in Mankato said they are happy to showcase their hometown if it helps get Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris to The White House.
Correction (Aug. 23, 2024): An earlier version of this story misspelled Blake Frink’s last name.