Al Stiers

Al was born and raised in the state of Nebraska. In Nemaha High School he played Football, Basket ball and competed in Track and Field finishing 2nd in the State Meet, in the Discus, his senior year. He attended Peru State College where he was an All Conference tackle his junior and senior years. Upon graduation, in 1956, he entered his first teaching job at a small school in Johnson, Nebraska. He coached Football, Basketball, Baseball and Track & Field, while teaching Industrial Arts, Literature, Speech, Civics and directed the senior class play for a salary of $3,900. After six years he took a job in Sac City, Iowa. He taught and coached for five years. He coached Football and Track & Field producing 2 State Champion Shot Putters. His third and final school was in Cedar Rapids from 1967-1996. Al was appointed the Head Track & Field coach his second year at Kennedy High School, a position he held until his retirement, along with coaching Cross Country for nine seasons. During his tenure at Kennedy, he coached 7 Mississippi Valley Conference Team Championships, 3 District Titles, 1 Mississippi Valley Conference Cross Country Team Championship, 13 State Individual Champions, 13 State Individual Runners-up and 7 Drake Relays Champions. He was selected District coach of the year 4 times, Mississippi Valley and Cedar Rapids Metro coach of the year five times. He has served as a guest speaker at the Iowa State Track Clinic and a charter member of the IATC. Al retired from teaching and coaching in July of 1996 giving education and working with kids 40 years of service. Al and his wife, Twila, have been married for 42 years and raised three sons. In his retirement, he enjoys building furniture and visiting his grandchildren.