Thirty Years. One Remarkable Legacy: Deb Wiebe retires from Sterling College Athletics
Sterling, Kan. – After 30 years of service, Deb Wiebe, the Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Administration, is retiring from Sterling College, closing a distinguished career defined by leadership and enduring relationships.
It is nearly impossible to explain the impact Wiebe has had on the athletic department over three decades. From daily administrative tasks and travel arrangements to working with eligibility and student-athletes' insurance, S-Club, special event planning, and the Warrior Wearhouse, her dedication and relationships have made her an unsung hero for Warrior Athletics.
"It is hard to believe that this day is coming," said Justin Morris, Vice President of Athletics for Sterling College. "Deb has been the heartbeat of our department. The time she has dedicated to our coaches and student-athletes is truly remarkable and will be greatly missed."
Born in Sterling College's Art Center (formerly a Rice County hospital) and raised in Sterling, Wiebe joined the campus in 1995 as secretary to the Athletic Department under Athletic Director and Women's Basketball Coach Lonnie Kruse where she quickly became a fixture in Warrior Athletics.
"I just heard about this job opening, and I thought, 'Oh, well, that kind of sounds interesting and fun.' So, I applied, and Coach Kruse called me for an interview. And here I am, 30 years later," Wiebe said.
What began as a straightforward secretary's position steadily grew into something much larger as Wiebe continually stepped in wherever she was needed. Over the years, the job expanded alongside her willingness to serve, eventually touching nearly every corner of Warrior Athletics. Her fingerprints are woven into the department's fabric, a testament to how fully she invested herself in her work and the people she supported.
"It just snowballed," Wiebe said. "When I first started at Sterling College, roughly 60% of students played sports; now it's closer to 90%. As athletics grew, so did my responsibilities. I started helping with insurance, organizing and planning special events, and taking on more administrative roles. I went from working 10 months out of the year to working with athletics year-round to keep up with the growth."
In 2022, she officially received the title that matched her duties as Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Administration. In the fall of 2025, she also took on the role of Senior Woman Leader.
However, titles have never mattered to Wiebe; serving students has always been her focus.
"The students. Getting to know all the students who have come through Sterling College in the past 30 years has been my absolute favorite part," Wiebe said.
During her time at Sterling, Wiebe was part of 25 KCAC Regular Season and 20 Tournament Championships. One favorite memory was the 2001-02 NAIA Women's Basketball Final Four team.
"It was the coolest thing ever because I got to travel with the team during that special time. I handled laundry and logistics, and we just kept winning, which was awesome. Being there with them was really special for everyone," she said.
Along with championship seasons, Wiebe cherished everyday joys: sharing laughs with coaches, seeing students thrive on and off the field and experiencing the energy each fall. These moments not only shaped her career but also gave her a sense of home, making this transition bittersweet.
"I never dreamed when I started this job thirty years ago that I'd still be here," Wiebe said. "It's been awesome, a second family. Leaving will be hard, but it's time."
Wiebe's heart for students and commitment to Sterling College will be missed.
"We want to thank Deb for a tremendous career here at Sterling," Morris added. "She has always put the student-athletes, coaches and the people around her first. I personally would not be where I am today without her guidance, support and friendship, and many other Warriors feel the same sentiment. Her presence will be deeply missed, but we are extremely excited for her as she enters a new season and can enjoy being a fan of the Warriors she has supported so faithfully."
Wiebe's last day will be June 30th.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #swordsup. Watch all of the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
