By Christian Bond, Sports Information Student Writer
PLU seeks to educate students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership and care – for other people, for their communities, and for the earth. Kirk Talley, '83 has made a career that follows the PLU mission statement through the game of football. Talley has become a successful coach at the University of Northwestern, whose impact has reached global proportions.
Talley's journey started at Pacific Lutheran University where he played football under Frosty Westering. Talley was a member of the 1981 team that went 9-1, and finished first in conference. Frosty affected his players off the field in a way that was bigger than wins and losses.
"Only my wife and parents had more of an impact," said Talley. "He (Frosty) encouraged me to live the way I do, by making each day a great day. His coaching philosophy impacted how I coach football and life to college age men. I wouldn't have met my wife if not for him, nor would I have attended PLU."
Talley has experienced loads of success in his 16 seasons as head coach at Northwestern University, accumulating a 103-50 all time record. Talley's teams have competed in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Victory Bowl in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2011 and most recently in 2015. Talley takes the things he learned from Frosty, and applies them in his own coaching philosophy.
"I learned to make it a great day," added Talley. "I learned to focus on giving encouragement when the chips are down. I learned speaking life into people was a way to bless them. I learned that coaching the heart was the most important aspect of coaching, whether to impact people or to get a team to give its best shot."
Talley's impact has reached global proportions. He serves as a coach on the United States team that competes at the World University Games. American Football was adopted to the games in 2013. Two tournaments have taken place since then, the first took place in Sweden, and this past June, the tournament was held in Monterrey, Mexico.
PHOTOS - View additional images from Talley's time in Mexico.
"Our coaching staff and players were put together by Athletes in Action," said Talley. "I learned that we could bring 45 men together in five days and have them become a competitive team. I also learned that young men can adapt well when they are challenged mentally, physically and spiritually."
China, Japan, Guatemala and Mexico were all represented in the World University Games American Football Tournament. The United States went 2-1, finishing second to host country Mexico. The next championships will be held in Harbin, China in 2018.
"Our goals were to live out our faith and be great ambassadors of the game of American football," Talley said. "I believe we met both goals."
Kirk Talley has made a career that follows the PLU mission statement through the game of football. He took what he learned as a Lute, and uses it to serve and lead. Not only in his community, but also for the earth.
