Minnesota Governor Tim Walz made an appearance at a high school football game at Mankato West High School, where he once coached as an assistant. His presence at the game was met with a mix of reactions from the crowd. Some attendees were indifferent, while others were seen talking to and even hugging the governor. The only instance where Walz garnered cheers was when he joined both teams for the coin toss.
However, Walz’s appearance sparked controversy among locals, with former Republican Minnesota congressman Jeremy Munson urging people to boo him and the chair of the Blue Earth County GOP, Yvonne Simon, calling it a desperate move. Walz’s connection to the Mankato West High School football team, where he won a state championship as an assistant coach in 1999, has been a focal point of his campaign.
Despite the lukewarm reception at the high school game, Walz faced harsh criticism at a previous football game in Michigan, where fans booed him and told him to leave. Walz, who has never coached beyond the high school level, compared his coaching background to that of Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville, emphasizing the importance of breaking stereotypes about football coaches.
Walz’s association with the Mankato West High School football team has been highlighted in his campaign, with appearances at the Democratic National Convention and the mention of his coaching stint during speeches. His efforts to tie his candidacy to his coaching days have drawn both support and criticism from the public.
Overall, Walz’s appearance at the high school football game sparked a range of reactions from attendees and locals, reflecting the mixed sentiments surrounding his campaign and coaching background. Despite facing controversy and criticism, Walz continues to use his coaching experience as a key aspect of his political identity.