Westonka’s Mike “Wally” Wallace Honored with Prestigious Butch Nash Award

At the 62nd Annual Minnesota Football Coaches Association (MFCA) Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 28, 2026, the spotlight shone brightly on Westonka’s own Mike Wallace. Better known to players and colleagues as "Wally," the veteran Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach was officially presented with the Butch Nash Award, marking a historic milestone for the White Hawks football program.

A Legacy of Loyalty and Excellence

The Butch Nash Award is one of the highest honors for assistant football coaches in Minnesota. Named after the legendary University of Minnesota assistant football coach Butch Nash, the award recognizes those who embody loyalty, competency, and integrity. To qualify, a coach must have at least 15 years of experience and a proven rapport with both athletes and staff. Coach Wallace is the first coach in the history of the Westonka football program to receive this honor.

A Career Rooted in the Community

Mike Wallace’s coaching tenure spans over three decades, nearly all of which have been dedicated to the Westonka Public School District. His impact on the athletic department is vast, having served as the Head Football Coach from 2000 to 2004 before his long tenure as the Varsity Offensive Coordinator. His multi-sport impact includes serving as an assistant coach for both boys and girls basketball and track & field, as well as holding leadership roles as the former Head Coach for the White Hawks softball and the Westonka Archery teams. Within the community, he has been a constant fixture on youth athletic boards and volunteer coaching circuits. Beyond the sidelines, Wallace has been a cornerstone of the classroom for over 25 years as a Physical Education teacher, known for bringing positive energy to the school environment each day.

From Tommie Captain to Offensive Mastermind

Coaching is in Wallace's DNA. He is the son of the legendary Vic Wallace, a renowned head college coach with 180 career wins across institutions like William Jewell, Lambuth, and the University of St. Thomas. Mike followed in his father’s footsteps at the University of St. Thomas, where he was a four-year starter, letter winner, and team captain for the Tommies. After earning his B.A. in Physical Education and Coaching in 1993, he later obtained an M.A. in Teaching and Instruction from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2002.

Since taking the reins of the White Hawks' offense, Wallace has orchestrated the most prolific scoring eras in school history. Under his guidance, the team has secured five District Championships and achieved three District Runner-Up finishes. A highlight of his tenure includes the 2022 season, where the offense set a school record by averaging 47 points per game. Year in and year out, regardless of personnel, Coach Wallace figures out a way to operate a highly disciplined and competitive offense.

The Epitome of a Loyal Assistant

Head Coach Nick David, who nominated Wallace for the award, emphasized that "Wally" is more than just a tactician; he is a mentor.

"Wally's commitment to continuous improvement as our offensive coordinator has developed a White Hawks offense that is multiple, adaptable, and effective," said Coach David. "Wally is dedicated to football and our players, is great in preparation, and over time has empowered our staff and players to take ownership of our offensive execution."

Coach David continued, "Wally’s dedication to his players extends beyond the normal practice day and season. He is the epitome of a loyal and hardworking assistant coach and our program success is largely because of him. Our players respect him, love him, and play hard for him. I am blessed to have him on our staff. I am a better coach, but more importantly a better husband, Dad, and person because of him."