Lyle honored at state tourney

DES MOINES - Although the Keota boys basketball team wasn't competing in the state tournament last week, they were there in spirit and in person as assistant coach Larry Lyle was named the 2021 Character Counts Coach of the Year.

Lyle is a 1969 graduate of Keota High School. He was a four-sport letterwinner for the Eagles and student council president.

Lyle graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1973 with a degree in physical education and health before returning home to work on the farm. He married wife Kris and together they had four children: Zach, Caleb, Elysha, Mariah.

Lyle started his coaching career volunteering as an elementary and summer camp coach. As his children grew older, he became more involved in the Keota athletic department. Lyle has coach at every level in the community from youth leagues through the high school programs. Lyle served as the assistant baseball coach for four years, with one state appearance, before taking over the program as the head coach for six years.

In 2003, Lyle began coaching high school boys track and led his team to the South Iowa Cedar League title as well as multiple state appearances. He was awarded the 2005 Iowa Association of Track Coaches Southeast Region Coach of the Year.

Lyle has served as the assistant boys basketball coach for 19 years. Alongside head coach Dan Stout, their teams have won six SICL titles and finished fourth in the Class 1A state tournament. He has received the 2003 Roushar-Evan's Award from the Iowa Basketball Coaches for the Southeast District.

In describing Coach Lyle, one nomination said, 'He is the most understanding and patient coach, who takes the time to know his players on and off the floor. He recognizes that students participate in more than just sporting activities and he encourages them in all areas of school events.”

When he's not coaching., Lyle enjoys farming, running, and spending time with his family.