Mankato

At Mankato West High School, years before he joined the political scene, a young Mr Walz taught geography and social studies, supervised the lunchroom and coached the football team.

She noted that Walz simultaneously coached linebackers on the West Mankato High School football team and supported students who wanted to start a gay-straight alliance.

The media will, no doubt, lean into Walz’s experience as a football coach — in 1999 he helped Mankato West win a state championship and political wonks love a good sports metaphor.

He taught social studies at Mankato West High School and helped coach the football team that won the school’s first state championship.

As a coach at Mankato West High School, Mr Walz helped build up an American football programme that led the school to its first state championship.