Coach Profiles: Justin Gumm

Photos submitted by Gumm.

Addie Hess

Coach Gumm, the HHS Varsity football coach, enjoys playing golf, hanging with his family of five, watching football, reading, going to football clinics, going to concerts, and trying new restaurants. He started playing football in 5th grade and continued playing at Quincy Senior High School (IL) and even through his college years at Culver-Stockton College (MO).

Gumm has coached many kids over the years, impacting their lives in many ways. Senior Ryan Cameron expressed, “Coach Gumm has been a very influential person in my life. He always expects the best out of his players and helps them achieve the goals they set. I respect his hard work and dedication and how much he cares about his players and the program.”

Senior Chas Powell heartedly stated, “Coach Gumm has been an amazing mentor for me these past four years. He has helped shape me into not only a better player but a better person. What I think makes him a great coach is just how much he truly cares about the team and the game. He spends so much time not only during the season but also during the offseason working to improve our team. So I'm very grateful to have had him as my coach these past years.”

Read more to hear from Coach Gumm!

What was your first football experience like? Can you describe when you started to play and how you got interested in football?

I first started playing football in 5th grade. I loved it: the camaraderie, the teamwork, the brotherhood, the intensity. It was so much fun, and I learned so many life lessons through football. I remember my 7th and 8th grade year: We went undefeated, and I led the league in interceptions as a defensive back! I also started playing Quarterback in 6th grade and played it all the way through college.

Can you tell us a bit about your family?

I am married to my wife of 13 years, Alexis, and we have 3 children: Houston - 5, Lincoln - 2, London - 3 months.

Tell us more about your experiences playing football.

Some of my favorite memories are from high school football in general: all of my closest friends having the times of our lives. We made so many great memories, ones with guys that all stood up in my wedding. We made the playoffs for the first time in 18 years my junior year. That was pretty special.

In college, we were not great, but I remember we upset the #7 team in the country in my first ever start as a true freshman. I also was fortunate to break some school records and play with a WR that eventually made it to the NFL.

How long have you been a coach? Have you always coached varsity football and in what places?

I have been coaching since 2009. I started out coaching D2 and NAIA college football for 3 years; then we moved to IL while my wife was in med school and then residency. I was a HS offensive coordinator and then a head coach, and I taught Physical Education and Health at multiple high Schools. We then moved to Wisconsin for the rest of my wife's residency and fellowship, and I was the varsity defensive coordinator at Madison East High School. I then took the Head Coaching job at Kettle Moraine High School, took a step back while we had our first child and was the offensive coordinator at Grafton High School; then the Hamilton job came open. It was a dream job, and I was fortunate to get it. I have been the Head Coach here for 5 years (going on 6).

What's the biggest accomplishment the football team has made while you’ve been a coach?

We have had some big accomplishments over the years. At Madison East, while I was the defensive coordinator, we made the playoffs for the first time in years. At Kettle Moraine, I was fortunate to lead the program to the most consistent success it had in school history (up to that point). We made the playoffs and made some deep playoff runs as a D1 team (they are now D2). At Grafton, I got to lead the number one offense in the state with some really good players and made a deep playoff run. At Hamilton, we have had some really amazing years: three-peat conference champs, back-to-back state semi-finals appearances and so many program firsts with an awesome group of kids and community.

If you could play against any other high school football team in the state, who would it be and why?

I love playing against Marquette and Arrowhead. Two great programs that we have seen quite a bit and always play us well.

What are the best parts about coaching football?

The best parts are the bonds we get to build with the players, our coaching staff, and the families in our program. The time we spend together and the memories we make on and off the field are pretty special. Football brought me so much in life, and I hope to bring some of that back to our kids and program.

What are the worst parts about coaching?

Not a lot of bad. Losses are tough because you put so much work in. Equipment handout and turn in is not the most fun. For the most part it is all part of the overall experience.

Rapid Fire Questions

Favorite NFL team: 49ers

Favorite college football team: Florida Gators

Best football coach (college or NFL): Nick Saban

Best football player of all time: Jerry Rice

Pick to win the 2025 Super Bowl: Lions

Team to watch this year in college football: Boise State

Favorite play to run: Power

Best pregame song: “Truck Bed”

Best position in football: All

Pre-Game Rituals: Same food, clothing, snacks, drinks, all - try to keep the same