Willis D. Lamb built over the years a career in athletics and business that is memorable for his dedication to Coe College, his love of hard work and good sportsmanship, and his skill both as a coach and a businessman.

Like his three brothers, Willis came to Coe from Boone, Iowa, and made his mark in Coe sports. He won his letters in basketball and football and his coaching skill became apparent in his first job after graduation at Greenfield, Iowa. From 1927 to 1929 his football team won 20 games while losing just one. His basketball team won 40, losing only 8, and he rounded out the record with a championship track squad. He then moved to Centerville, Iowa High School where from 1929 to 1938 he had three undefeated football teams, eight sectional basketball titles and one state tournament team. His overall football record was 64-12.

His alma mater called him back and he coached at Coe from 1938 to 1949. Like most small college coaches, he was called on to use all of his many talents, serving as athletic director, basketball coach, assistant coach of football and track, golf coach, athletic business manager, teacher of physical education and dean of men.

Perhaps his own finest memory of his long career at Coe came when his 1940-41 basketball team won Coe's first title in the Midwest Conference.