Hall of Fame
As part of the Orange Lutheran football program for more than three decades, Rev. Dr. Dean Vieselmeyer, "Coach Vies," impacted countless Lancer student athletes through his passion for football and his love for Christ.
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During his time at OLu, Vieselmeyer saw the Lancers achieve historic success, and he holds the distinct honor of being one of the few individuals involved in all three of the football program's CIF Championships – 2004, 2006 and 2021 – as well as the State Championship in 2006.
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Coach Vies entered his eternal rest on Friday, October 13, 2023. In recognition of his more than 30 years of dedication to the Orange Lutheran football program and his commitment to excellence both on the field and in building meaningful relationships with Lancer student athletes, he will be posthumously inducted into the Orange Lutheran Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2025.
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In his early years on campus, Vieselmeyer served as Defensive Coordinator for the Lancers, later handing those duties off to his son and OLu alum, Brent Vieselmeyer '94, in 2000. He coached several positions at both the freshman and varsity levels, including defensive line, defensive ends, inside linebackers, outside linebackers and long snappers and directed the leadership and character development program. Every year, each player received a "red book" with his weekly presentations and these words,
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When a task is once begun
Leave it not until you're done.
Be a matter great or small,
Do it well, or not at all.
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Vieselmeyer returned to OLu after a few years away, taking on the roles of freshman coaching assistant and leader of the spiritual formation program. He served under five Lancer head coaches during his tenure, including Tim Taube, Jim Kunau, Chuck Petersen, JP Presley, and current OLu football head coach Rod Sherman.
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"Coach Dean Vieselmeyer was the heart of Lancer football for the past 30 years," said Kunau. "He was the inspiring force that propelled the program's rise from a small Division 12 team to a nationally ranked program competing in the toughest football league in America. His faith in Jesus was a beacon for all, and his passion for excellence, intense competitive drive and genuine deep care and concern for players' and coaches' welfare made Coach Vies the most beloved leader and mentor in Lancer football history. Many coaches try to leave their mark on players. Coach Vies left his love within every player, family and coach."
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Ken Ellwein, former Executive Director at Orange Lutheran from 1989 – 2008 reflected on Vieselmeyer's integrity.
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"Dean was always about ministering to the welfare of the student athlete and upholding the highest level of integrity in the football program," said Ellwein. "If confrontation was necessary, he would put his arm around you and quietly say what needed to be said. If you were hungry and needed a burger, he would buy you two, and maybe even three. He was truly a man of God who impacted the lives of so many and helped shape the ministry and culture of OLu."
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In addition to his years of service at OLu, Vieselmeyer and his wife, Dian, both contributed significantly at Concordia University Irvine, filling many integral roles for nearly 35 years beginning with their arrival at then Christ College in 1985. Along with serving as Executive Vice President of the university in the early 2000's, he was also a professor of theology and oversaw aspects of residential life, athletics, arts, campus ministry, advising, health services, student government and freshman orientation.
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OLu alumnus and Athletics Hall of Fame member Michael Crawford '97 had the rare opportunity to know Vieselmeyer as a coach, colleague and teacher. Vieselmeyer coached Crawford during his OLu football days, later worked alongside him in 2003 on the OLu football coaching staff and also taught him at Concordia University Irvine during his master's program.
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"He's one of the best human beings I've had the chance to be around," said Crawford. "He was someone who loved the Lord and someone who loved any opportunity to pour into young men to try to make their lives better."
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Known for his high energy and infectious enthusiasm, Coach Vies was a memorable presence on the football field, often shirtless during practice. As a member of that 2006 CIF state championship team, fellow 2025 Hall of Fame inductee Kellen Bragg '07 had his first opportunity to work with Vieselmeyer when he was moved to defensive end during his senior season.
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"You talk about someone who is passionate and cares about the kids and their success on and off the field, he was just a ball," said Bragg. "He made practices fun. We all wanted to work hard for him. He's one of those coaches where you'd get excited to go to practice. He was just a great person. He loved and cared for all of us."
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Former OLu football and track and field coach Bruce Thomas was especially impacted by how Vieselmeyer prioritized sharing his faith with both the athletes and his fellow coaches. Inspired by Vieselmeyer's example, Thomas continues this practice today with his own student athletes.
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"When I started at Orange Lutheran in 2005, I had never met anyone who was so genuine," said Thomas. "I can't tell you how much I admired him as a person. In our world today, we don't find people who are what you see. He was what you saw."
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Fellow 2025 Hall of Fame inductees Terrence Brown '09 and Damani Wilson '10 were coached by Vieselmeyer and felt his influence far beyond the football field.
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"One thing that I can always recall of Coach Vies is his vibrant energy," said Brown. "There was not one day that I did not see him and he wasn't bouncing around."
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"Everybody has hard and difficult days, but with Coach Vies, it was as though that never was the case for him," added Wilson. "You couldn't catch him on a bad day cutting one corner. The consistency that he modeled is something that I think I can appreciate more now than I was able to when he was there leading us."
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Vieselmeyer will be remembered not only for his love for football but for his innate ability to positively impact the lives of those in the OLu community. While passionate about the game, he emphasized faith, character and servant leadership above all. His life was one that was not only well lived, but one that left an indelible mark on the Lancer family.
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"I will forever appreciate his faith being put on display because that has, in some form or fashion, had a direct influence on me," said Brown. "I'm forever grateful for him."Â
