James DeHorn of the Hope College
football coaching staff is being honored for his career as a
high school football coach.
DeHorn, who in 1997 concluded more than a quarter
century of coaching at Allendale High School, is one of 21
high school football coaches who will be inducted into the
Michigan High School Football Coaches Association's Hall of
Fame on Saturday, April 17. The ceremony will take place
during a banquet at Crisler Arena at the University of
Michigan.
Reflecting on the recognition, DeHorn was quick to
credit others, including his supportive family and all of
those who have been a part of football in Allendale.
"This is an award for the Allendale community," he
said. "It's an award that just happens to go in my name,
but it's an award that goes to the entire Allendale football
program."
DeHorn is currently defensive line coach at Hope.
He joined the college's coaching staff in 1998.
He started coaching football at Allendale High
School in 1970. He spent 10 years as junior varsity coach,
and another 16 as varsity coach.
His junior varsity and varsity teams amassed an
overall record of 137 wins, 85 losses and five ties, with
varsity totalling 90 wins, 55 losses and two ties. His
teams won seven consecutive Big Sky League championships.
DeHorn had 11 first-team all-state players; two
academic all-state players; and four players in the state
All-Star Game. He was the All-Star Game's West coordinator
for six years, and coached the West All-Stars in 1996.
In addition to coaching football, he also started
Allendale's wrestling program. He continues to teach at the
high school, teaching senior English and weight training.
DeHorn is a 1970 Hope graduate. He majored in
physical education and English, and lettered in football and
wrestling. He coached Hope's wrestling program from 1980 to
1982.
He and his wife, Karen, have three children:
Kyle, Kristyn and Kurtis. Kyle is a 1997 Hope graduate, and
like his father lettered in football at the college.