The Lundeen Legacy

The Impact of the Huddle

Long before he was in high school, Matt remembers kids coming to his house every week for the FCA huddle. “I got to see firsthand the time and energy that my dad and mom put into running the huddle at Becker, whether there were five kids there or 105 kids. They modeled how to sincerely love the kids of Becker. They want nothing more than for every youth in Becker to come to a personal relationship with Jesus. I got to see that.”

Matt’s high school years as part of an FCA huddle and attending FCA camps were the most spiritually impactful of his life. Matt says, “FCA is where I really found my niche and connected with how to make my relationship with Jesus sincere, how to truly live it out, how to not compartmentalize it, and how to truly live as a Christian athlete. I got to hear about it with great speakers, and I got to see real people live it out – other athletes, college athletes, and other coaches that planted seeds in me that really grew and took root.”

When did this happen again? During Matt’s high school years in FCA. Who was his huddle coach? His dad.

Character Lived Out

Not only was Dwight inducted into two coach’s halls of fame, but Matt recently received the Outstanding Educator as an Athletic Coach award. In the article that appeared in the Redwood Falls Gazette, school and district leaders described Matt’s contributions to the school with phrases like: 

“Matt lives his life in a way that sets a great example for all of us… models the Golden Rule every single day… everyone who comes in contact with him is better for the experience… selfless leader… always willing to help out… leads with his faith in the forefront… highly respected in the school and community.”

Each of these words could also be said about the elder Coach Lundeen. He has lived them consistently, modeled them daily, and successfully transferred them to his sons and the thousands of young men he has coached over the last five decades (Coach Lundeen coaches with his son, Mike, as well). 

Randy Jensen, FCA Area Director for the South Metro, attests that Coach Lundeen’s impact on FCA has been incredible: “It has been my joy and privilege to know and work with Coach Dwight Lundeen for almost 40 years. I can honestly say that Dwight’s participation and involvement with FCA has put him in an elite class with only a select few others. Dwight’s involvement has included not only his leadership with the Becker FCA huddle, but also with summer sports and golf camps, area rallies, state FCA coaches events and athletic director’s breakfasts, etc.”

Leaders with Integrity Raise Leaders with Integrity

About Dwight’s leadership, Randy said, “John Maxwell defines a leader as one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. It is evident by his consistent and value-driven life that Dwight is a man of integrity and character, and he walks the talk of faith. ‘Example is not the main thing in influencing others – it’s the only thing.’ (Albert Schweitzer). FCA is grateful for Dwight’s years of service and leadership in this ministry, showing the way to countless numbers of young people, student-athletes, and coaches, not only in Becker but throughout the state. Dwight has faithfully and obediently communicated the importance of faith in Christ, of living a life which honors God, and trusting Him in every area of life.”

God has moved mightily in the hearts of young people through first Dwight and today through both father and son. Though they serve the Lord in towns two hours apart, they are impacting their worlds and reaching young people with the hope of Jesus. Dwight modeled it to Matt. Matt is modeling it to his sons. And someday Matt’s kids will model it to others as well.

FCA thanks God every day for coaches like Dwight and Matt – the trail blazers, the torch carriers, the faithful.