In the world of former Frederick High School football player Travis Letkomiller, it’s been a natural progression for his football journey.
It started with the game itself.
“I have always had a true love for football, and I wanted to coach with my brother, Nick,” Letkomiller said. “We started with a group of first-graders from Brighton and stayed with the same kids through eighth grade. Through that time, I developed a true passion for teaching kids the game I love and trying to be a light or positive figure in a kid’s life.”
Fast forward a few years, and Letkomiller found himself on the Weld Central High School football staff.
He earned the head coaching slot this spring.
“Weld Central came about because one of my players’ families was from there. I randomly decided to reach out,” he said. “Small-town football is a dying breed, and I knew that’s where I wanted to be. I couldn’t be more pumped to be here at Weld.”
Letkomiller draws on personal experience from coaches who worked with him.
“Larry Frank (former Frederick basketball coach) inspired me into what a coach should be. I watched him pour his heart into every kid that ever came through that program in the early 2010s,” Letkomiller said. “I still think about the lessons he gave us and just how much passion he brought every single day. The guy was a winner in every sense of the word.”
Frank wasn’t the only one to have an impact. Different sports brought him different perspectives.
“Joe Lamb was my old position coach, and he has always been a mentor to me with coaching,” Letkomiller said. “He brought a love to the game that couldn’t be matched. I still talk to him pretty often on the phone. I take a great amount from those men into my coaching today.”
There are plenty of plus points in the world of coaching, Letkomiller noted.
It’s more than developing the game on the field; it’s about the lasting relationships with his players
“The most rewarding part about coaching is the relationships built and watching the development, not only as football players but the person they grow into,” he said. “Getting invited to non-football things because they want me there to support is special, and I get FaceTimes from former players who want to know how I’m doing. I think that’s a special part. I love seeing the look in the eyes of a player or team that just did something awesome. That will never get old.
“I think the past three years on staff and the last eight coaching my youth team have helped me a ton,” he added. “I’ve learned a lot, and some of the experienced coaches who were on staff have acted as mentors to me from football all the way to being a husband/father. I have created memories and built relationships with a lot of these players, which has helped for a smoother transition.”
According to MaxPreps, Letkomiller played one year of varsity basketball (2010-2011) season for the then-Warriors. He averaged 2.5 points per game in 21 games.
In 11 varsity football games over two seasons, he compiled 16 tackles, split evenly between assists and solo efforts. He also picked up 23 yards in pass receptions.
He thinks the nerves will come when the Rebels begin their season Aug. 29 at home against Bennett.
But, he said, he lives for those moments.
“Our team is a gritty ballclub that is going to have a blast out on that field,” he said. “This community raises hard-working kids who are going to play each play for the guy next to them. Our defense is returning most of the starters and is led by a group of seniors that play with tenacity and are hungry to take that next step.
“Our strength has to be playing together and playing fast,” he added. “We have a ton of depth at the running back spot as well, so I’m looking forward to seeing that play out. Our coaching staff is a tight-knit group and passionate about this community and group of athletes. I’m very excited and blessed for the opportunity to lead this group.”
Keep up with Weld Central football at MaxPreps.com.