Ed McLaughlin’s time as a Bulldog began as a student-athlete when he was a standout on the Concordia football and track & field teams. He’s since spent 24 years (including his time as a student) as an assistant coach with the track & field program. A Seward native, McLaughlin has become known as one of the nation’s top throwing coaches and has coached 19 individual NAIA national champions. Get to know more about Coach McLaughlin in this Q&A.
Q&A with Coach McLaughlin
Which athlete(s) did you idolize growing up?
Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Michael Jordan, Greg Maddux, Emmitt Smith, George Brett.
Who are your favorite professional sports teams?
Let the hatred begin ... Dallas Cowboys.
What is the most memorable sporting event you have attended as a spectator?
2008 Nebraska football win over Colorado (Alex Henry kick to win).
Which person/people were most influential in your career choice?
Kregg Einspahr – wouldn’t have started coaching if he didn’t ask.
What is one book you would recommend to others in your profession?
Not really a non-fictional book reader. I prefer journals, etc. I did once read, “Slaying the Dragon: How to Turn Your Small Steps Into Great Feats” by Michael Johnson. I keep it in my office.
What’s the best coaching advice you’ve received?
When in doubt, Power out!
What do you find most rewarding about coaching?
Watching the growth and development, in all aspects, of each kid!
What has changed the most about the profession since you started coaching?
Cell phones! The Internet, technology, etc.
Beyond athletic talent and ability, what is the No. 1 trait you’re looking for in a prospective recruit?
Love of the sport! The 'Want To'!
Name something your own student-athletes have taught you in your time as a coach.
Patience – they will never understand how little I had when I first started.
What athletic achievement of your own are you most proud of?
Getting first and second at a water volleyball tournament. We had 2 teams in the tournament and we won both sides of the bracket!!!
In college? Conference shot put champion, I guess.
How are you most likely spending your free time away from work?
Honey-do this, honey-do that!
What would you choose to eat for your last meal?
Valentino’s original pizza, backyard burger double cheeseburger, plainsman (Juniata) prime rib and a whole New York cheesecake ... you said last meal!!!
What’s your favorite Lincoln (or Lincoln area) restaurant?
Stuck on this one....so many!!
Which movie or TV show do you quote from the most?
Tin Cup, Remember the Titans, Braveheart, Frozen a little more recently.
Where did you go for vacation this summer?
Usually Minnesota, but this year we went to Missouri, house on lake.
Which social medium (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.) do you use the most?
Facebook, starting to use the 'gram more now.
What genre of music do you prefer?
Most.
What was the first car you drove?
1975 Buick Electra.
Name a famous person you’ve met.
Tom Osborne.
If you had to choose any band or musical artist to perform at Bulldog Stadium, who would you choose?
Michael Jackson.
What is the No. 1 thing that makes Concordia a special place?
People, it’s always the people. The facilities are great but the feeling of belonging and family, of it being a home away from home, that comes from the people!
What is it that keeps you excited about your job as you look ahead to the 2021-22 academic year?
Every year is different: different kids, different challenges, all trying to achieve a similar result, which is producing adults who are ready, willing and able to serve the world.