World Team receivers coach Jakob Dieplinger

Jakob Dieplinger was the wide receivers coach for the 2010 game as well. He plays for the Swarco Raiders in his homeland, where he helped win the Eurobowl championship and Austrian Bowl in 2011. He represented Austria as they finished seventh at the 2011 IFAF Senior World Championship and was named second-team all-tournament. Dieplinger is currently coaching at Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif., as a varsity tight ends coach. He also is the offensive coordinator of the Austrian junior national team that recently was crowned 2011 European Junior Champions.

What does it mean to you to represent your country as a member of the World Team staff?

It's a great honor. It's my second year with the World Team. We've developed football a lot in Austria in the last 10-15 years so it's a very special feeling to be here representing my country.

Why did you get into coaching?

I actually started coaching when I was really young. When I was 16 I started coaching the youth team - 9-10 year-olds - and developed and tried to gain knowledge and learn from the coaches who came over to Austria. I tried to learn from everyone I could. I came over to the United States to attend clinics and coached high school football for a year. I've just tried to become a better coach because I really enjoy it. It's my passion.

Who is your favorite coach?

Wherever I go and whoever I talk to I just try to learn something new and gain knowledge. I can't say there is one particular coach I follow. Wherever I go I want to get the most out of it.

Why did you start playing football?

My older brothers founded a club in my hometown. They knew football because our family lived in San Francisco for two years before that. I started playing and fell in love with it.

What do you hope to take from this event to help improve football in your country?

It's always great working with the World Team coaches. We have a lot of guys returning but we have a lot of new coaches as well. We exchange a lot of philosophies and knowledge and experience on the practice field. You take a lot with you and learn a lot from each other. I feel very good about the experiences here that I can take back home.