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WYNOT — The names Heimes and Wynot are nearly synonymous in this corner of the world.
In fact, Wynot is familiar with a lot of surnames in the area, Wieseler, Foxhoven, Sudbeck, but when sports, specifically sports coaches are in the conversation, Heimes is certainly at the top or near the top of every Blue Devil fans’ list.
Steve Heimes, Wynot football coach for the past 15 years reached a coaching milestone earlier this fall and in grand fashion.
It was a record-breaking game with the Blue Devils defeating Crofton 78-76, in four overtimes, in the opening game of the 2025 season back in August.
“It was a great game whether it was for 100 wins or any win for that matter,” said Heimes. “It being my 100th even made it more special I guess.”
Heimes, who recently retired from the South Dakota Air National Guard caught the teaching and coaching “bug” some years back.
“I was teaching at Cedar Catholic and I just love to see a kid light up when the ‘light bulb’ comes on and they figure out what you’re trying to teach them,” he said. “It can be challenging, but it is very, very rewarding.”
He works on the family farm now, but he still had football to scratch that “itch” and turn on those light bulbs.
“I have a lot of people to thank who have got me where I am right now,” said Heimes. “Starts with my wife, who lets me spend all of this time away during football season. And of course, my brother, Lee, well all of my brothers really, but Lee was my baseball coach and he shows a pretty good way of doing things if you just listen to him. Low key, steady as a rock. I’m not that low key, but I certainly am a much better coach because I have taken the time to watch him and do some of the things he does.”
As one would expect around Wynot, Heimes was very eager to spread the love toward his family.
“It really starts and ends with our mom and dad,” said Heimes. “They always gave us enough freedom to fail and then be there to pick us up when we did. They have more patience and wisdom than absolutely anyone I know. And it’s a simple wisdom if there is such a thing. Nothing flashy or overbearing and based a lot on common sense and for sure experience.”
Steve gets it, he put all of his learning into a simple sentence.
“When things look bad, hard work will get you out of the hole,” he said.
And that’s probably about enough said. 2
Steve Heimes celebrated his 100th win with his family when the Blue Devils earned a quadruple overtime win over Crofton to open the season.
