OSKALOOSA, Iowa – Oskaloosa High School’s football program is fostering a culture of respect and appreciation through the “My Jersey Your Impact” initiative, where senior players honor teachers who have shaped their lives.
Now in its fourth year, the program, led by Head Football Coach Brett Doud, allows senior players to select a teacher who has made a lasting impact on their lives. The chosen teachers are then recognized on a game day Friday, where the educators wear the player’s jersey.
“It’s an opportunity for us to connect with the kids’ former teachers who had a significant impact on their lives,” Doud said. “We all have those teachers we remember, and this is a way to thank them for their time and effort.”
For senior linebacker Lukas Toubekis, the choice was clear—Pam Chapman, his fifth-grade teacher. “She was the first person who really challenged me in class and made school fun,” Toubekis said. “Every time I saw her after fifth grade, she’d give me a big hug and ask how I was doing. She made my day every time.”
Chapman, visibly moved by the recognition, reflected on the joy of seeing former students grow into leaders. “It’s amazing to have these kids still remember you after seven years,” she said. “Lukas and I had a great rapport. We could joke, but I also challenged him, and he always rose to the occasion. Seeing him now, it’s clear he’s still that leader his classmates looked up to.”
Coach Doud emphasized how this initiative aligns with the team’s values of leadership, respect, and building a strong culture. “It’s not just about football,” Doud said. “We’re trying to build young men who appreciate the people around them and understand the importance of recognizing those who’ve helped them get where they are.”
Chapman added that the connection between teachers and students often endures long after students progress from Oskaloosa Elementary School to another campus. “They come back to the elementary for sports events or just to say hi,” she said. “They remember where they came from, and that means a lot.”
Oskaloosa Superintendent Mike Fisher highlighted the broader mission of the football program, praising Coach Bret Doud for his commitment to building a team culture that aligns with the school’s core values. “More important than wins and losses is the culture successful teams build around our school’s vision culture, and values,” Fisher said. “‘My Jersey Your Impact’ is a perfect example of how Bret develops leaders outside of what is happening on the field. This is about shaping our students into leaders who carry these lessons far beyond high school.”
Fisher expressed admiration for Coach Doud, acknowledging the lasting impact he has on students on and off the field. “Brett's dedication goes beyond coaching football; he is instilling life lessons that resonate with our school’s purpose and mission. It’s clear that his influence is felt in every part of our community,” Fisher said. “Through initiatives like this, he’s teaching our students values that will serve them throughout their lives—respect, appreciation, leadership. We believe wholeheartedly in the incredible work Brett is doing.”
This program, along with Doud’s leadership, continues to foster an environment where students thrive not just as athletes, but as future leaders.
The tradition has resonated throughout the school community. “It’s not just these individual teachers being recognized,” Doud said. “Every teacher plays a significant role in shaping these kids, and all of our kids, and we want to acknowledge all the hard work they put in.”
For the seniors, it’s a chance to give back. “It’s very impactful,” Toubekis said. “It shows the teachers what they’ve done for us and how much it matters.”
As the Oskaloosa football program continues, the “My Jersey Your Impact” initiative reminds everyone that success on the field is built on strong foundations of respect, appreciation, and community—a culture the team is proud to embrace.