REGIONAL— When Justin Lamppa was named head baseball coach for Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids in 1997, he was just a young Itasca graduate, fresh off the field, armed with a love for the game. Growing up in Tower back in the 1980s and 90s, it was his father and longtime coach Lon who instilled that appreciation of the game.
“His passion became my passion,” said Justin, who has built his own storied coaching career at Itasca, having notched three state championships, 17 conference titles and, most recently, his 700th career win for the Vikings in a game last week against Central Lakes College.
“I was 21 when I started coaching. I’d only planned to stay for a year,” Lamppa recalls. “But sometimes, life has a way of leading you down unexpected paths.”
Being the youngest coach at Itasca, he found himself supported by everyone. “It’s different to come into a program you just graduated from to being the coach. I give credit to Mike Johnson, the dean at the time, and the players I coached my first few years. Without them, the program would not be what it is now.”
“Being able to build a program that has sustainability and success both on and off the field is something I’m proud of. I think it’s also important to stay in touch with students after they graduate. I won’t remember what games we won or lost, but I do remember who played third base one year.”
The importance of that personal connection was ingrained in Justin from early on. Growing up in Tower, baseball wasn’t just a sport, it was a lifestyle, one that encompassed the many young players who Lon took under his wing, from Little League to up through high school.
“I think the number one lesson my father taught me was having patience and allowing kids to fail, that’s where you build success and learning comes from failure. That attribute comes directly from my dad.”
Of course, many others contributed along the way, notes Justin. “Bill Hare was a blessing to have as my assistant coach. He had a great relationship with students and was someone I looked up to for many years.”
While coaching has always been central, Lamppa’s impact extends well beyond working with players. He’s also served as the Men’s Division President on the MCAC Executive Committee and Men’s Athletic Director for Itasca Athletics.
Yet, amidst the achievements, Lamppa remains grounded, attributing much of his success to the support and mentorship of his colleagues, including former players turned coaches Mike Gebhart and Kurt Fenner, and Chris Brown, his pitching coach. Their camaraderie and collective dedication have shaped Itasca’s baseball program. However, his extended family and his wife Amanda have been the true backbone to his coaching success.
“It takes a village to have a successful program, and there are lot of people behind the scenes here at Itasca and in the northland that have made this possible. I’m forever grateful to them!”