Montezuma’s Partner Maschmann named Assistant Football Coach of the Year

​ Partner Maschmann, left, enjoys attending a March Madness game in Des Moines in recent years with his girlfriend, Sonya Grandstaff, daughter, Katie, and her husband, Siraj Thomason, both at right. Partner was recently honored with the Iowa Football Coaches Association (IFCA) Assistant Coach of the Year in 8-Man football. He has been a volunteer assistant coach for the Montezuma Braves for 23-years.

​Long-time assistant coach has been making a difference on the sidelines for 23-years
 
by J.O. Parker

   Partner Maschmann has coached junior varsity and varsity football players at Montezuma for 23-years. A passion to help young men become better football players and leaders has led to Partner being named the Iowa Football Coaches Association (IFCA) Assistant Coach of the Year in 8-Man football.
   “It is a great honor to be chosen for this award,” said Partner.
   After graduating from Montezuma High School in 1991, Partner attended every Friday night football game that next fall. The next summer, he went to then head coach Darrell Brand and asked if there might be an opening for an assistant coach.
    “I sure do,” Partner said Brand told him. “That is how it started.”
     Partner decided to get into coaching because of the positive influence that his coaches had on him. 
   “Like them, I just wanted to be an influence on the young men coming through Montezuma’s athletic program,” he said. 
     When asked what it means to be coaching at his alum mater, Partner said, “Everything.”
     “I would not want to be anywhere else,” he added.
    As a Montezuma student, Partner was a running back on offense and a defensive back on the defensive side of the ball.
    He couldn’t remember for sure, but believes the Class 1A Braves made the playoffs at least three years of his prep career, including the undefeated season of 1988.
    When asked what his fondest memories are as a high school player, he said the camaraderie with the other players.
   As for coaching, Partner puts in quite a few hours during the season. Every Sunday, he and the other coaches get together to study tape and set up a game plan. Then there is practice every week day from the middle of August through early November, depending on how far the team goes. And of course, there are game nights, which include game prep and travel to and from when playing an away game.
   “I try to get in the weight room and work with the players when my job allows,” he added of his time commitment to the sport.
    Partner said this honor would have not been possible had it not been for all the coaches through the years who allowed him to be a part of the Montezuma Braves football program. They include: Coaches Darrell Brand, Rob Sinclair, Ryan Van Veen, Tyler Beathke, Larry Beathke, Tyler Lown and the current coaching staff of Patrick O’Brien, Tim Burgess, Josh Kriegel, John Beck and Cal Smith. He did not coach under Joe Donovan’s tenure at the school.
    When asked what his favorite memory as a coach is so far, he said making the semifinals last season.
    “This honor makes me realize that all the great influences that I have had since starting my coaching career have helped me be a leader all while helping others do the right thing,” said Partner. “It is very nice and humbling to see all of my years and dedication being recognized.”
    “Partner has been such a joy to have on the staff,” added Patrick O’Brien, head coach of the Braves. “He has helped establish our culture, our vision, and our philosophy into these young men here in Montezuma. He’s a fantastic role model for these young men! He teaches them about the game of football and most importantly, the game of life! He makes sure every kid knows that he cares about them and wants what’s best for them! He brings the best out of them every year and I am just thankful that I have Partner on the sidelines with me every Friday night!”