LC football coach Kaemingk steps down after 5 seasons

Lynden Christian football coach Galen Kaemingk, for the first time in years, will get the chance to spend all the time he wants with his family next fall.

Kaemingk has submitted his resignation after five seasons leading the Lyncs, according to an email Tuesday, Nov. 17, from LC Athletic Director Curt DeHaan.

“Well, I’ve been thinking about it for a while now,” Kaemingk said in a phone interview. “I’ve been doing this my whole life just about, and there are some things I want to do in the fall. ... I have a couple of kids with businesses, and I’d like to be able to help them out.”

Kaemingk led the Lyncs to a 23-29 record during his tenure and into the Class 1A Northwest District Playoffs in three of his five seasons. LC again reached the district playoffs this fall and finished with a 5-5 record.

“Under Coach Kaemingk’s leadership, many improvements were made to our football program,” DeHaan wrote in the release. “Our players began attending summer football team camps, and he helped strengthen our off season weight lifting activities. Thank you, Coach Kaemingk, for your football expertise and investment into the lives of our student-athletes.”

Kaemingk’s Lyncs went 2-8 during his first season before winning four games and then six, six and five this past fall.

“I think we have made a lot of strides,” Kaemingk said. “This year I was really happy with what we were able to accomplish with not a very big senior class.”

LC certainly improved under Kaemingk, but the team never was able to contend with 1A powers Meridian and Mount Baker. Kaemingk was an integral piece in implementing a lifting program utilizing Lynden Christian’s new workout facility, and the coach said an increased physicality will help the Lyncs contend in the NWC 1A.

Before becoming coach, Kaemingk was a standout player at Lynden Christian, before graduating in 1975 and going on to play at Northwestern College.

He ended up coaching and teaching in Texas and Washington for 30 years, including 13 seasons he spent at Omak, where he compiled a 73-47 record and led the program to a state title in 2000.

“I am just thankful for the opportunity, and it’s just been a real blessing for me,” Kaemingk said. “I hope that the program continues to improve whoever takes over.”

This story was originally published November 17, 2015 at 9:37 AM with the headline "LC football coach Kaemingk steps down after 5 seasons."