David Welter retired from the Cedar Falls Community School District in Cedar Falls, Iowa, after serving a forty-year career in education. Thirty-seven of those forty years were spent in Cedar Falls. During that time, Welter taught social studies and has been involved with baseball at the high school, college, and professional levels while also serving as a junior high principal for sixteen years in Cedar Falls.

Welter was diagnosed with cancer on his 55th birthday in February of 2009. He has written his stories, Reflections from the Home Team… Go the Distance, Reflections from the Home Team… STAYING POSITIVE When Life Throws You a Curve!, Reflections from the Home Team… Reframing the Curveballs Life Pitches Our Way! and Reflections from the Home Team… Nearing Home to share the hardships, emotions, support, and hope he has encountered on his journey with cancer since being diagnosed. He often uses baseball metaphors and analogies to help communicate his thoughts as he is most comfortable sharing those thoughts by connecting them to that important part of his life.

Coaching and educating young people have formed the core of Welter’s life over the years. His passion and love for his students, staff, and athletes are clearly demonstrated in his writing as he attempts to inspire a positive mindset for those struggling with cancer as well as other life challenges that may come their way.  Since retiring, Welter continues to scout for the Atlanta Braves, works as an education consultant, farms, participates in several community organizations including driving medical transports for Western Home Communities, and enjoys precious time with his grandchildren. Welter has been inducted into the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame, the Cornell College Athletics Hall of Fame as well as being named Iowa’s Middle Level Principal of the Year.