Hall of Fame
For nearly 20 years, Coach Jim Kunau dedicated himself to putting Orange Lutheran football on the map and developing high-character student-athletes. He established and built the "Champions for Life" program and culture with the four core prioritized values of faith, character, academics, and competitive excellence. The iconic "block L", today recognized as Orange Lutheran primary brand, was designed by Jim and is a symbol of honor, faith, and love of God and others.Â
Over his years spent leading the OLu football program, Coach Kunau's teams found tremendous success. Under Kunau, the Lancers won 13 league championships, including 11 straight from 1998-2008. Under his leadership, OLu also won it's first CIF championship in 2004 and won the CIF and State titles in 2006.Â
Of Kunau's 19 years spent at OLu, the Lancers made the playoffs on 16 occasions, and his overall record at OLu is an impressive 182-52-3. His winning percentage (78%) ranks among the elite in Orange County history, and his honors comprise a lengthy list.Â
For his efforts, Kunau received numerous accolades. He was named OC Register's Coach of the Decade for 2000-2010. In 2004, he was named CIF Division IV Coach of the Year, Los Angeles Times Southern California Coach of the Year and OC Register Coach of the Year. In 2006, he was tabbed as the CIF PAC-5 Coach of the Year.Â
During his time at OLu, Kunau also served as athletic director from 1997-2002, taught history from 1992-1997, and served as varsity boys basketball assistant coach and JV boys basketball head coach from 1991-1996.Â
College recruiting presence was all but non-existent before Jim. During his tenure, Jim built relationships with colleges and universities and created an opportunities that resulted in over 100 of his players going on to play college football, with many more matriculating to the best universities in the U.S.Â
Jim notes that, "my greatest honor was working with amazing coaches and colleagues, great young people, and for a skilled visionary like Ken Ellwein. I am especially grateful to Ken, Coach Briggs, Kent Schlichtemeier, Dean Vieselmeyer, Craig Swanson, and Bruce Thomas for being examples of Christ-centered excellence. If life is measured by relationships, my association with all of these great mentor-friends and young people has made me incalculably wealthy!"
