Welcome, Mr. Mumm

Written by Kari Sundberg, Eagle Editor

Jeff Mumm is Grygla School’s new Dean of Students and Athletic Director. His first day in this new role was Tuesday, January 2nd, and he was more than ready to begin this new chapter! “A lot of signs showed me that I’m supposed to be here right now. I feel blessed, lucky, and fortunate, and I’m just excited to get going,” said Mr. Mumm.

A lot of locals are familiar with the new face and name at the Grygla School as Mr. Mumm is coming to us from Thief River Falls, where he retired last spring after teaching at Lincoln High School for 39 years! Mr. Mumm taught Elective (grades 10-12) Strength Training & Lifetime Activities & Fitness. He also taught Freshmen Health for 16 years and was the Strength Training Coordinator for the school district. In addition, he was the head football coach for the Prowlers for an impressive 27 years! Mr. Mumm says he retired as the happiest and luckiest person in the world, and it was the perfect time to leave as the program was in great shape.

Once he was settled into retirement, Mr. Mumm had put his name in to substitute teach at the Grygla and Goodridge Schools, saying he was looking forward to doing subbing in some of the small schools in the area, which remind him a lot of the school he attended in Wisconsin while growing up. One fine day, while subbing in Grygla, he fell in love with the school, found out about the position open, and interviewed. “I am thankful, lucky, and blessed to have gotten this position in Grygla,” he says.  

Currently, Jeff lives in Thief River Falls with his fiancé. He is looking forward to working in Grygla and getting settled into his new role. Jeff says he is an extremely hard-working, hands-on guy, and tries very hard to bring out the best in people. Of his leadership style, he says, “I’ve got to create a safe environment and I try to focus on the three F’s: firm, fair, and friendly. I’d say one of my strengths is making sure to go out of my way to make people’s lives better, make sure they know they have a purpose, and continue to build that up.”

As for his first-year goals, Jeff is looking forward to the new learning experience, meeting with the staff and students, working with Tomas Loberg, the AD at the Goodridge School, and bringing a positive attitude every day. With teaching and coaching, he brings a lot of experience to the table, but being in this particular role is new to him. However, he is looking forward to bringing a positive attitude every single day. “I love working with kids. I’m not done yet. I wasn’t ready to retire; maybe ready to retire from Thief River Falls, but Grygla fell into my lap, and I just feel there’s something really special about this school,” he explained.

As for his interests and hobbies outside of the school setting, Mr. Mumm’s top priority is his new engagement to his fiancé. He also enjoys deer hunting, canoeing, fishing, and being outdoors. He also mentioned something about being a Packers fan, but we won’t get too into that part….ha!

We welcome Mr. Mumm as he begins this new chapter in Grygla. He prides himself on being a pretty good judge of character; when it comes to the Grygla School, he has an extremely high opinion of it and says he just hopes and prays he can only add to it. “I love kids, I love teaching, and I love coaching. I’m just so excited to get going here in Grygla,” he stated, happily.

Mr. Mumm brings a lot of educational experience to the school. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education & Health from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth, along with a Master of Science from Mankato State University (Educational Leadership). He a current member of the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA) and the Minnesota Strength Coaches Association (MSCA). 

He holds the title of North Country Coach of the Year from 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007 & 2010. He also holds the Section 8AAA Coach of the Year from 1995, 2004 & 2005.

Mr. Mumm also holds many other professional association memberships, awards and honors, which include the 2009 Peter Hess Memorial Teacher Recognition Award, 2011 Induction into the University of Wisconsin-Superior Hall of Fame, 2013 Teacher of the Year, and the 2020 Induction into the Minnesota Football Coaches Hall of Fame, to name a few. 

Best of luck to Mr. Mumm as he looks forward to doing great things at the Grygla School!