We are so thankful for Ken and Arlene VanWoerkom and their volunteer photography for Eagle football!

Ken’s Journey with Football and Coaching

Ken’s love for football began in the early 1960s when he played at Grand Haven High School. As a senior, he earned a starting tackle position, sparking a lifelong passion for the sport. Years later, while supporting his son Jonathan’s football journey at Grand Rapids Christian, Ken was invited to coach the 78ers program. Though initially unsure, encouragement from his son and varsity coach John Butler led him to accept. Alongside his brother Jim, Ken coached kids for 10 years, teaching the wing-T offense and supporting the program’s growth. During this time, he also started photographing players, giving each one a poster at season’s end.

Transition to Photography

After retiring from coaching, Ken faced the painful loss of his wife to ocular melanoma. Their conversations encouraged him to continue pursuing photography. Shortly after her passing, he bought a new camera and received permission from Jason Heerema to photograph football games from the sidelines. This marked the start of a new chapter—Ken became a sideline photographer, a role he has continued for over 12 years.

Partnership with Arlene

Ken met Arlene in 2013, and football quickly became part of their shared life. On their second date, they attended a varsity football game, and by the next season, she too was on the sidelines. With Mr. Heerema’s support, Arlene joined Ken with her own camera, and for the past 11 years they have photographed games together—through every kind of weather, victory and loss. Arlene loves being in the heart of the action and sharing their photos with the players.

👉 In short: Ken’s story is one of lifelong love for football—first as a player, then a coach, and later as a photographer. Together with Arlene, he has turned this passion into a lasting contribution to his community, blending his love of the sport with photography.