'Cat Corner: A Q&A with John McMenamin

John McMenamin, a 2002 alumnus, took the reins of the Bearcat football program last winter, making him the 21st head coach in school history. An Omaha, Nebraska, native with more than 15 years of coaching experience at multiple levels, McMenamin talks about returning to Northwest and what fans can expect.

NW: How special is it to be a part of Northwest, both the institution and the athletic program?

JM: It's truly an honor. Northwest is a special place that shaped me during my college years and gave me lifelong friendships and experiences. It's more than just a university - it's a community that means a great deal to me.

NW: What are your best memories of being a Northwest student and Bearcat football player from 1998 to 2002?

JM: There are so many lasting memories, but a few really stand out - winning two national championships, beating Pitt State in the Clash of Champions at Arrowhead Stadium and setting the Division II attendance record. But beyond the wins, it's the relationships that mean the most. I formed lifelong bonds with teammates, coaches and members of the Maryville community. That shared Bearcat passion ties us all together.

NW: You played under Coach Mel Tjeerdsma and Coach Jim Svoboda. What kind of impact did they have on your playing and coaching career?

JM: Both had a profound impact on my life and career. They were different in their approach, but equally influential.

Coach T laid out a blueprint for success that was clear, intentional and rooted in relationships. He brought in the right people, built trust year after year and cared deeply -not just about winning but about you as a person. Even after I graduated, he stayed in touch and was a consistent source of support. He had a gift for motivating people and helping them find the right path. I'm incredibly grateful for his guidance over the years.

Coach 'Boda was the one who first believed in me. He recruited me out of Elkhorn High School and somehow tolerated me for five years as a player. He has an incredible football mind and was always one step ahead of any defense. He made learning fun and taught me, especially as a quarterback, that "knowledge is power." I didn't jump into coaching right away, but when I did, he gave me my first shot as offensive coordinator at Central Missouri. We had a blast building that offense together, and later I had the chance to join him again at Tulane, where I continued to grow under his mentorship. He's not just a mentor - he's a great friend and someone I deeply admire.

NW: When did you realize coaching was your true calling?

JM: Funny enough, coaching wasn't always the plan. My dad was a great high school coach, but I initially didn't think it was for me. After college, I spent six years in the corporate world. Eventually, I walked away from a job at Wells Fargo to pursue my master's and become a graduate assistant at the University of Nebraska Omaha. After that first day on the practice field, I knew I was right where I was supposed to be.

NW: Did you ever imagine you'd become the head coach at Northwest?

JM: I definitely dreamed about it. As a player and coach, I was always on the other side of the "paw," trying to beat it and usually not succeeding. With the incredible stability and success of the coaches who came before me, I figured it would remain a dream. Timing plays a big role in any opportunity, and when this position opened, I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time with the full support of my wife Andrea and our kids to pursue this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

NW: What can Bearcat fans expect to see from Northwest football this fall and in the years to come?

JM: We're going to play with passion and purpose. We're implementing a process rooted in many of the same principles Coach T instilled, with a few things I've picked up along the way from other incredible coaches. I can't promise wins and losses, but I can promise our players will compete harder than anyone. They'll care deeply about the paw on their helmets, about those who came before them and those who will come after. There are no shortcuts to success, but our standard is high, and our commitment is real. I can't wait for people to see us take the field this fall.

NW: How can Bearcat fans help shape the future of the program?

JM: Our fans make a huge difference. As a visiting coach, I used to hate coming to Maryville. It was loud, intense and intimidating, and that's the way it should be. We're working to bring that atmosphere back. Northwest fans are passionate, and we need them rocking the 'Ville on Saturdays again.

But it's more than just game day. Off the field, their support matters just as much. I want our players to connect with the community the way I did. We've already had fans donate items and resources that directly help our student-athletes. That kind of support helps us close the gap between what we offer and what other programs have. It all adds up - and it all matters.