Former Blue Devil hired as new Walla Walla High School head football coach

Former Blue Devil hired as new Walla Walla High School head football coach

Tuesday, May 4 - Tonight Walla Walla Public Schools hired Matt Hamlin to replace Marc Yonts as the new head football coach at Walla Walla High School . Hamlin, who graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1999, will also teach math at the high school.

Hamlin was a three sport athlete at Walla Walla High School and earned All-State honors in football as a wide receiver his senior year. He was also the point guard on the 1999 Blue Devil basketball team that won the 4A state championship and was a member of the WWHS baseball team.

"This is my dream job," Hamlin said. "I love coaching football and am excited to come home."

Following graduation from WWHS, Hamlin enrolled at Eastern Oregon University (EOU) where he was a three year starter on the football team and earned his bachelor's in science degree.

He was selected as team captain his junior and senior years at EOU and was voted the offensive player of the year by his teammates his senior year. He earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Concordia University in Portland , OR .

In 2004, he taught and coached football at La Salle High School in Oregon.

From 2005-2010, he has been an assistant football coach at Skyview High School , Vancouver , WA where he has helped head coach Steve Kizer build the program into a perennial state contender. Hamlin is also a math and physical education teacher at Skyview High School .

"Matt has tremendous energy and will do the things needed to continue the proud history of Blue Devil football," District Athletic Director Don Wilkins said. "He has learned from some outstanding coaches in his playing and coaching career and will use these experiences to make decisions as he leads our program."

Wilkins says Hamlin will relate well with the student-athletes and bring a contagious enthusiasm which should produce great things on the field.

"I feel fortunate to get a young coach with Matt's background and enthusiasm to lead our program." Wilkins said. "Players will have fun and enjoy their time as Blue Devil football players."

Wilkins said despite the late hiring, Hamlin and his coaches are preparing the spring practice schedule, summer team camp and the 2010 season information for release to players and families later this week.